Murder accused farmer denied bail

The Rural and Farmworkers Development Organization has welcomed the decision by the Western Cape High Court judge not to grant murder accused, Martin Visser bail. Judge Lister Nuku of the high court said Visser must accept the decision by magistrate Cyril Krous of Vredendal magistrate court not giving him bail until the end of his case.

Martin Visser faces charges of murder following the discovery of Adam Pieterse’s body on Vissers farm after he went missing for about a month in Lutziville. Visser was arrested 18 months after the discovery and has been in custody since March 2016. It’s alleged he killed Pieterse because he owed him money as he was selling wine to the farmworkers at the time of Pieterse’s disappearance.

On 1st December 2016 magistrate Krous denied Visser bail saying he didn’t see exceptional circumstances or that the showed remorse for his deeds. This decision was celebrated by the farmworkers’ rights activists saying it was a victory to all who are suffering inhumane working conditions.

Visser took the matter to the Western Cape High Court, appealing the bail decision but even the Judge Nuku ruled that Visser must remain in custody until the end of his case.

Pre-trial is expected to be at the high court on 15 May while the trial date was set for 5-15 June at the Western cape High Court. Billy Claasen of the rural and farmworkers development organization says “Judge Nuku’s decision means the state has a very good and strong case against the accused. We will come to court to see justice and support Pieterse’s family”.