Bail hearing set for initiation school 5
2013-01-12 18:49
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Johannesburg
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Johannesburg - The bail hearing of five people accused of abuse at an initiation school in Hartswater in the Northern Cape will begin on 23 January, the Saturday Star reported.
Ellen Mogwara, 30, Lorraine Molale, 22, Keadimilwe Gopane, 27, Keikantsemang Molale, 19, and John Vis appeared in the Hartswater Magistrate's Court this week.
They face charges of murder and assault after a woman was killed while undergoing her rites of passage.
Another nine minors will be tried separately on the same charges under the Child Justice Act, according to the newspaper.
Gabaediwe Motsage, 22, died after she was allegedly pelted with stones and had burning coals inserted into her buttocks.
When police went there, the people running the school freed other woman initiates who were unable to eat, speak or walk, the Saturday Star reported.
The school was shut down last week.
It was believed that initiates who were unable to pay their fees were enlisted as workers and instructed to pursue Motsage and force her to return to the school after she managed to flee from it.
The publication reported that during their court appearance, community members threatened to assault the accused if they were released on bail.
The community claims that children were kidnapped and kept hostage, and that some were forced to eat sandwiches that were filled with faeces.
- SAPA
