Police had to intervene when angry residents blocked a courthouse gate in Garies after the magistrate grated R3,000 bail to a police sergeant accused of murdering his girlfriend.
The ruling on Thursday, October 22, 2026, sparked outrage among residents who had petitioned against the release of Murder-accused Quintin Cloete, 38. The police officer allegedly ran over his girlfriend, Farren Farren Maarman 27, with a vehicle earlier this month.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 11 October 2026, after Maarman had allegedly confronted him about Cloete seeing a woman.
The angry community of Garies petitioned to have Cloete denied bail.
But the large crowd exploded with anger when it was announced that magistrate Chris Byleveld had granted Cloete bail.
In his ruling, Byleveld noted that Cloete suffers from depression and granted him bail of R3 000.
Community questions magistrate’s bail decision
Yolanda du Toit, a well-known activist from the movement Matzikama Broken Angels Network, was present at the court.
“It seems as though the phrase ‘in the interest of the community,’ carries no weight in this court.”
“I question the rules or processes of the Garies court regarding bail.
“Why did the magistrate refuse to accept the community’s petitions and letters from non-governmental organisations like mine?”, Du Toit said.
According to Du Toit, the message conveyed by the Garies court is that it is OK to commit crimes such as murder.
Police intervene as protestors block court gate
The crowd also had their say.
One member of the crowd suddenly shouted: “Ons gaan Quintin vrek maak.” (We are going to kill Quinton)
Residents swore and insulted the magistrate, saying: “We want a different magistrate; this one must be replaced.”
“All the police from Garies must also be removed,” others said.
As the magistrate attempted to drive home, people blocked a security gate at the court.
Police had to protect him so that he could leave the courthouse safely.
They accused the police and the magistrate of taking sides and argued that bail should not have been granted to Cloete.
The large crowd became increasingly hostile and armed Public Order Policing (POPs) members struggled to contain them.
Image: Supplied
Billy Claasen, the executive director of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Association, and an activist for farm workers, did not mince his words.
He accused POPs unit of arrogance and another policewoman of being being under the influence of alcohol.
After the drama, a wreath-laying ceremony for Maarman was held at the scene of the alleged incident.
Maarman will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
