Edited by Bev Mortimer; Info: court reporter, Anthony:
Two of six suspects charged with the murder of Liyolo Wakweni, an 18 year-old grade 12 pupil at Humansdorp Senior Secondary School, were granted bail of R1000 each today, 8 October, in a packed Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court.
Magistrate Landros Agherdien ruled in favour of bail for Gregon Stevens and Lathitha Buzani, both 18, citing their clean records and commitment to finishing school. The court heard the investigating officer’s statement that the suspects faced risks of mob justice, with police arresting them at the scene to prevent community retaliation.
Agherdien referenced prior schedule six offence rulings and set strict bail conditions: 24-hour house arrest except for school attendance, with twice-weekly reporting to Humansdorp SAPS.
The four 17 year-old minors, whose names are withheld, were absent, and their bail bids were denied. All six will appear in camera tomorrow, 10 October, to set the next court date.
Liloyo’s family are grieving. The ruling left the community reeling, with many still mourning the loss of the well-liked young man. The tragedy unfolded on 23 September at around 8:15 am on the school grounds during a violent fight among learners.
Wakweni was stabbed multiple times by a group of boys and died at the scene. Police and security guards tracked down the six suspects—two adults and four minors later that day after they fled.
Reece Terry, an 18-year-old friend who shared a hostel room with Wakweni, spoke of his character. “Liyolo was well-liked by the learners and was not a troublemaker at all,” he said.
Terry believed the suspects were “just jealous of the deceased.” He called for better school security, noting a little violence in the prior two terms.
The court mentioned the stabbing on 19 September at the school, where there were tensions among the pupils.
The SAPS said in their findings that a violent altercation occurred at the school among learners. Wakweni was stabbed by a group of boys repeatedly and died at the scene.
The alleged culprits absconded leaving Wakweni dead at the scene. The gang of boys were later traced after an SAPS investigation and were apprehended by security guards and the SAPS, and taken into custody last month .
The case first hit court on 25 September 25, when Stevens and Buzani appeared before Agherdien and prosecutor Faith Booysen, who opposed bail.
The two applied for legal aid. The four minors appeared in camera with parents. Outside court, learners and teachers held placards reading “No bail,” “Justice for Liyolo,” and “Prison sentence,” chanting as police blocked the road.
Social media erupted with public outrage after the murder. The case was postponed to 2 October for bail applications, but a large crowd forced a bigger courtroom, and the hearing was delayed to 9 October.
The loss of Wakweni continues to shake Humansdorp, with the community seeking answers and justice. The investigation presses on. The next court appearance is set for tomorrow, 10 October.
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