Defence attorney Sithembele Mgxaji argued the four men had gone to Nomgogwana’s home after one of them had been insulted by her daughter.
Nofemele told the court the complainants were given a seven-day ultimatum to pay the rent and protection fees or be evicted.
One of the complainants, Sonwabo Mankuntwana, 55, told the court: “I have been harassed and abused by the accused demanding rent and protection fees. They have tried to sell pieces of my yard to three people, selling one portion for R30,000 and another for R50,000.”
In her ruling, the magistrate said the prosecutor and investigating officer opposed bail.
“They argued extortion is a grave crime, is prevalent and Mthatha is one of the hotspot areas. This involves threats of violence where businesses, farmers, schools, hawkers and ordinary residents as well as professionals are threatened and intimidated to pay a protection fee,” she said.
The accused are all members of the traditional sub-council (ibhodi) in the area, a powerful structure in the community.
“If released on bail with stringent conditions, they would abuse their positions and breach them with ease and there would be nobody to monitor them due to the influence they have in the community,” the magistrate said.
“The victims are blind and others are deaf. This crime has caused a public outcry.”
The case was postponed to September 13.
TimesLIVE
Lulamile Feni
www.timeslive.co.za
