Latest news with #publicunrest
The Herald
23-07-2025
- The Herald
Investigating officer tells court that granting bail to Jayden-Lee's mom could spark chaos
The investigating officer in the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek has told the Roodepoort magistrate's court that granting bail to his mother, who is accused of killing the little boy in May, could spark chaos and lead to public unrest. Sgt Linda Duma testified on Tuesday during Tiffany Meek's bail application hearing. He told the court that granting her bail could lead to public unrest as the community was angry and emotional and could take the law into their own hands. The officer said he also feared for the safety of both the accused and the public should she be released. 'If the public sees her outside, I believe that the community, already feeling that the justice system is failing them, may take the law into their own hands,' Duma told the court. Meek, who has pleaded not guilty, submitted an affidavit in support of her bail application arguing that she poses no danger to society, has no prior convictions and is not a flight risk. The investigating officer testified that community members had twice handed over petitions at Florida SAPS demanding swift justice and the arrest of the 'responsible person' in Jayden's death. 'The petition was accepted by the management of Florida SAPS who assured the community that they will do their best to bring the perpetrator to book,' said Duma. In her affidavit Meek said her continued incarceration could cost her her job and that she is the sole breadwinner in her family, supporting her mother and brother. She also argued that if she were not granted bail, it would be difficult for her to prepare for trial as she would have limited consulting times with her legal representative. Duma argued that Meek's release would not only endanger her safety but also disrupt public peace. 'There are already perceptions that we are failing as a state to deliver justice. If she is seen walking freely while this matter is ongoing, people may react in anger. The state cannot rule out possible retaliation,' said Duma.
Free Malaysia Today
10-06-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
N. Ireland town hit by anti-immigration unrest
At least four houses were burned with flames spreading to surrounding properties. (AP pic) BALLYMENA : Northern Irish police said houses were attacked and objects were thrown at security forces amid public unrest in the town of Ballymena after an anti-immigration protest turned violent. The disorder in the town of 31,000 people, some 48km northwest of Belfast, followed an anti-immigration protest in a neighbourhood where an alleged serious sexual assault happened on Saturday. 'A number of missiles have been thrown towards police with damage reported to a number of properties,' a police statement said late Monday. Two teenage boys were charged by police with the attempted rape of a teenage girl and appeared in court yesterday, where they asked for a Romanian interpreter, reports said. According to local media, at least four houses were burned with flames spreading to surrounding properties. Footage on social media appeared to show protesters targeting houses by smashing windows and some masked individuals kicking in doors and windows and throwing items including cans of paint and glass bottles at police vehicles. Police riot officers went to scene with riot shields in an attempt to 'bring calm to the area' said the police statement.
