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Glencoe farmer, Garth Simpson, is set to remain behind bars this festive season, following yet another delay in the court proceedings.
The 68-year-old farmer is accused of murder and possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Click the link to read more: 17-year-old Qiniso Dlamini on 28 September 2021.
Simpson appeared in Glencoe Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 14 December 2021, to continue the legal proceedings against him. In less than a month, this was the second time he appeared before the court, the last time being on 25 November 2021.
At the time, the case resurfaced for the handing over of the ballistic reports. Simpson was also denied bail for the second time in a row. A decision which grated the civil rights organisation, AfriForum.
As the organisation is assisting Simpson with legal representation, AfriForum expressed concerns regarding the court handling the accused’s bail application during his most recent court appearance.
According to the organisation, the reasons given for refusing bail are insufficient. The court argued that it denied Simpson’s bail application for his own safety, among other things.
On Tuesday, any hopes for progress in the case were dashed.
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, said the matter was postponed. This time for 15 February 2022, when Simpson will appear in the Regional Court for the first time.
Additionally, she states that the 68-year-old farmer’s bail has been denied yet again.
Jacques Broodryk, Campaigns Manager for AfriForum, adds that the organisation believes the reasons still given to deny bail are insufficient.
Looking ahead, Broodryk notes that one of the reasons the case is being transferred to regional court is that the current magistrate’s court lacks the jurisdiction to hear murder cases.
He adds, “The chances are good that the case will eventually be transferred to the High Court. We feel Mr. Simpson has a strong case and should never have been denied bail.”
What are your thoughts on the case’s developments? Share your views in the comment section below.
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