Family and friends of Reinbrecht Piper took to the streets of George this weekend in a peaceful march calling for justice following the 21-year-old’s fatal stabbing at a McDonald’s drive-through in Courtenay Street last month.
The march took place on Saturday with participants gathering at Unity Park before proceeding along Courtenay Street to JP Spares and returning to the park.
The gathering was organised to honour Piper, who died on 27 September, and to raise concerns about the criminal case following the decision to grant bail to the two men accused of his murder.
Peaceful and respectful
Organisers had called for the march to remain peaceful and respectful, with the focus on remembering Piper and seeking justice.
Piper was allegedly stabbed in the chest during an altercation with a group of men at the fast food outlet in Courtenay Street at about 02:25, police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said.
His friends Logan, Marco and Stian carried him to a car and rushed him to George Hospital, where doctors fought for more than an hour to save his life.
Public outcry over bail decision
The march followed widespread public reaction to the George Magistrate’s Court decision to grant bail to Justin Jafta, 28, and Craig Nelson, 27, on 1 October.
Both men were granted bail of R1 000 each and face charges of murder with common purpose, a Schedule 6 offence.
Under Schedule 6, an accused person must satisfy the court that exceptional circumstances exist which, in the interests of justice, justify their release on bail.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) subsequently confirmed that it had found no grounds to oppose the bail applications after considering the police docket and consulting with the investigating officer.
NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the State found no evidence that the accused posed a flight risk, would interfere with witnesses or evidence, or would endanger the public.
However, the prosecution had not yet viewed CCTV footage of the incident when the bail applications were heard. The footage was subsequently viewed by the prosecution and investigating officer on 5 October.
Family continues to seek answers
Piper’s family has also lodged a formal complaint with prosecuting authorities concerning aspects of the bail proceedings and the investigation.
In an earlier statement, the family said it remained committed to seeking justice for Piper and his two friends while respecting the legal process.
“For the family, this is about justice for Reinbrecht and his friends, but also about every South African family affected by crime. Because Reinbrecht cannot speak for himself, his family will continue to speak on his behalf,” the statement read.
The family has appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Accused due back in court in December
Jafta and Nelson have not pleaded to the charge and remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Their next appearance in the George Magistrate’s Court is scheduled for 3 December.
The march provided an opportunity for those affected by Piper’s death to remember him publicly and call for accountability as the legal process continues.