The 79 people in custody in connection with the looting of spaza shops in Grahamstown on 21 October were relased on free bail by magistrate Nomnikelo Jebese on Friday 30 October.
The 79 people in custody in connection with the looting of spaza shops in Grahamstown on 21 October were relased on free bail by magistrate Nomnikelo Jebese on Friday 30 October.
The group will return to court again on 8 December, as their case is still being investigated.
Six were released on warning on Friday 23 October. Others remained in custody.
Those released were asked to be present today when others in the case were being released.
The group was arrested and face charges of public violence.
Jebese warned them that they must not interfere with the investigation now that they were being released.
"This court is releasing you because none of you has criminal record or a pending case. This is a schedule one offence which you have committed," Jebese said.
"If you commit or become involved in any kind of crime while you are out, you will be arrested again and that will be a serious offence.
"You are also not allowed to leave the Grahamstown area, if you want to leave you will need to organise that with the investigating officer," Jebese said.
In front of the packed courtroom Jebese pleaded with the group not to commit any further crime. She said it was an embarrassment because most of them were young and there were school children among them.
The magistrate gave a warning saying that she does not want them to meet with the victims or the state witnesses.
She said there are there are ways of handling situations. Jebese said now it was their opportunity to go out there and make sure that they start their lives afresh.
One of those released didn't go to court today.
Apparently his was under age and his mother was required to look after him. When the parent was asked by the magistrate where her child was, she couldn't explain.
Jebese said a warrant of arrest will be issued because the parent was supposed to have checked up on him.
"We will authorise a warrant of arrest and he will face the consequences because everybody was supposed to be here today.
"Last time I was fair enough and released people here. I explained to them to please adhere to the conditions I gave them," said Jebese.
The group went out of the court by the back gate of the court in New Street.
Their families were there to welcome them.
