The farmer accused of running over two children and assaulting a third one has told the Ermelo magistrate's court that he did not mean to injure them.
Speaking through his lawyer Mario Jungbluth during his bail application on Wednesday, Louis Johannes Grobbler said: “I categorically deny that I attempted to murder the girls. While I was driving, the victims emerged from nowhere. I applied brakes but they were injured.”
Grobbler said he called the police and an ambulance after the incident.
The 41-year-old farmer is alleged to have accused the three children – aged 10, 11 and 13 – of theft at a farm where the children and their parents live in the Mpumalanga town at the weekend.
He is facing two counts of attempted murder and one of assault with an intention to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
His case was postponed to Friday.
A large number of EFF and community members flooded the streets leading to the court.
“He was arrested following the incident where three children had to be hospitalised after he allegedly drove over two of them with his car and also badly assaulted the third child,” said provincial police spokesperson Col Donald Mdlhuli.
EFF provincial chairperson Collen Sedibe said what happened shows disrespect for human life, especially of farm dwellers.
“This act shows the disregard for human life, especially black farm dwellers. This man had the guts to run over innocent children who were out playing with friends and accused them of stealing.
“Besides this case, the EFF has embarked on a campaign to fight the abuse of farmworkers and farm dwellers around the province,” he said.
newsdesk@sowetan.co.za
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