A 14-year-old grade 10 learner at Mbilwi High School accused of allegedly assaulting a 15-year old fellow learner, Lufuno Mavhunga, has been granted bail of R1 500 by the Thohoyandou magistrate court in Limpopo.
A video of the accused allegedly assaulting the victim has been widely circulated on social media. Mavhunga later committed suicide.
The two-day marathon bail application was completed Thursday. As part of her bail conditions, she will not be allowed to go out of the province without informing the investigating officer.
NPA spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi says the case was postponed to 27 May 2021 for further investigations.
“The state opposed the bail looking at the seriousness of the offence even though we are dealing with the child who is in conflict with the law. Remember that from the beginning, the defence wanted the child to be released under the guidance of her guardian. However, the court felt that the bail must be fixed at R1 500 with condition that she must not interfere with the witnesses and not to travel outside the Limpopo province.”
Video: Lufuno Mavhunga funeral service:
The family of the late Lufuno Mavhunga has accepted the court’s decision to grant bail to the accused. Family spokesperson Kenneth Mavhunga believes that justice will prevail.
Meanwhile, ordinary community members around Thohoyandou have expressed mixed feelings.
“I feel so happy; I am very excited because she got bail. We have said before that this child should get bail,” said a community member.
“The law was not fair and I am not happy about it. I am not saying I am not happy because I hate her, I feel pity for her and the country,” said another resident.
The bail hearing was held in-camera. The accused will be back in court again on 27 May 2021.
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