State wants bail denied for 2 Groblersdal farmers accused of assaulting their security guard
Piet Groenewald and his son, Stephan Greef, were back in court on Wednesday for their bail application. They were arrested earlier this month after they allegedly beat up their employee and unleashed a dog on him.
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JOHANNESBURG - The State in the Groblersdal farm case in Limpopo said that two farmers accused of assaulting their security guard should not be released on bail.
Piet Groenewald and his son, Stephan Greef, were back in court on Wednesday for their bail application.
They were arrested earlier this month after they allegedly beat up their employee and unleashed a dog on him.
The guard recorded the attack on video, which has been widely circulated online.
Investigating officer Gregory Maleasenya said that a State witness would not be safe should the accused be released on bail.
He told the court that the witness, whose identity has been withheld, was receiving death threats from an unknown person.
"This is what I'm trying to explain to this court to indicate that our witness here is not safe. I've indicated that I was with the witness and the witness indicated to me that he doesn't want to be involved, he doesn't want his name to be mentioned because he is afraid for his life."
Police Minister Bheki Cele and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola are attending court proceedings on Wednesday, where they've warned that anyone who breaks the law will face consequences.