North West MEC for Human Settlements Public Safety and Liaison, Nono Maloyi has expressed his disappointment following the release on bail for Mathys Cloete 69 and his son Danie Cloete 34, bail by the Vryburg Magistrate court.
The two were granted a R2 000 bail each after their initial attempt to get bail had failed. Cloete told the court that the police holding cells were not conducive for his health and that he needed to take his medication. However, the MEC said he respect the court decision.
Mathys and his son Danie were arrested last week Monday, 3 September 2012, after they allegedly assaulted, electrocuted and killed a farm worker Bakang Moleko, 24, and seriously injured Shadrack Anderson, 20.
The two suspects are now facing charges of murder, attempted murder, assault and pointing a firearm.
According to MEC Maloyi many cases where farmers abused or killed farm workers have not been reported. “It’s fortunate that this one was reported to authorities and proper action was taken. As the department we would like to condemn the killing of Bakang Moloko in all strongest terms and call on the justices system to issue harsher sentence on the case. This will send a clear message to all farmers who continue to abuse innocent farm workers, that the law will continue to protect its citizens and persecute those that continue to do such atrocious acts,” said Maloyi.
The Cloetes’ allegedly assaulted Moleko and Anderson after accusing the two of stealing tyres and 50 litre of diesel at their farm in Boshoek.
It is alleged that Danie choked one of them with a car battery booster cable after they refused to tell the truth. The deceased collapsed and Danie poured water on his face to wake him, but was certified died upon arriving at the local clinic.
Enquiries:
Simon Lesolang Mmope
Tel: 018 391 0423
Cell: 082 574 7621/078 878 8897
Fax: 018 391 0328
E-mail: smmope@nwpg.gov.za
MEC Nono Maloyi call for harsh sentence
Province
