After the brutal attack on teenager Justin Langley from Uitsig, the community on Tuesday attended the bail hearing of five of the 11 men accused of hacking the boy to death. Denise Simpson , a community worker in the Uitsig area, said fuming residents protested at the local magistrate’s court.

The courtroom was filled to capacity, with many residents chanting for the magistrate to deny them bail. The five young men, aged between 18 and 31, allegedly belong to a group known as the “G units.” The matter was postponed to the 18 November while investigations are underway to search for the other six involved in Langley’s murder.

Simpson said they have set up a petition of 12 pagers signed by the entire community to show their disgust at the murder to call for the suspects to be denied bail.

“The MEC of community safety was at the family’s residence and he said that something must be done to stop young people from falling prey to gang groups and drugs,” said Simpson.

The turnout at the community meeting on Tuesday evening was unexpected as the venue was packed to capacity. The community leaders decided to call a meeting with MEC Plato earmarked for Sunday. Residents warned that if the men were allowed bail, the community will take the matter into their own hands.

Police are still searching for the six other suspects, who are he are known to the community.

“We will continue working together around the issue as well as set up another petition so that all the perpetrators are brought to book.” VOC (Imogen Vollenhoven)