THE Biyela family claims the justice system has failed them.
This follows the Lenasia Magistrates Court's decision on Tuesday, 13 May, to grant bail to three University of Joburg (UJ) students.
The students face charges for the murder of Simphiwe Biyela, a grade 11 learner from Musi High School in Pimville, Soweto.
Each was granted bail of R4,000, deemed reasonable by the court based on their circumstances.
The bail conditions prohibit the accused from entering, visiting, or going near Pimville Zone 7, where the victim's school is located.
The case was postponed to 17 July for further investigations.
During proceedings, the court ruled that the release of the accused was justified and in the interest of justice.
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Prosecutor Tumelo Mahunye had suggested a bail amount of R5,000 for each accused, citing the serious nature of the charges.
The court ultimately set the amount at R4,000 while allowing the state to make further recommendations.
The accused allegedly stabbed Simphiwe Biyela during an altercation reportedly sparked by a dispute over a beanie.
Reports indicate that six university students, suspected of drinking near a campus residence in Power Park, boarded a school bus carrying pupils. They are said to have forced the driver to take them to buy more alcohol. When the driver refused, the students allegedly boarded the bus, seized belongings-including hats-from pupils, and left.
Scebiso Masondo, ANC Youth League Secretary for Ward 24, explained that the bus driver attempted to de-escalate the situation by keeping the students and pupils apart.
Family spokesman Sizwe Mthembu voiced the family's dissatisfaction with the court's decision to grant bail to the accused.
"We feel as if the justice system is failing us. How can they grant them bail just like that."
