Three men stood before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday March 16, seeking bail as they stand accused of the brutal murder of Adnaan “Jamie” Davids whose body was found with 25 stab wounds in what’s believed to have been an anti-LGBTQ hate crime.
The 30-year-old was stabbed to death in Athlone on Tuesday March 3, his body was discovered in a veld next to a mattress near the N2 highway with more than 20 stab wounds all over his body and face, suspected to be inflicted by a pair of scissors found at the scene. At the time of the initial reports, it was widely reported that the body was also discovered with a long stick shoved up his rectum. That statement has since been retracted.
“One of the family members apparently said this but that has since been retracted,” says Triangle Project’s Sharon Cox, who attended the court hearing.
Davids, a drag performer, was allegedly “lured” out of his house late evening by one of the suspects as a setup before being murdered by the group.
Triangle Project called his murder “despicable,” describing Davids as “fun-loving” and “caring.”
“He was always willing to help others, running errands and cleaning homes for people in his community.
He had a great sense of humour and people enjoyed his company because it always meant a good laugh.
His family are devastated by his loss,” said Triangle.
The hearing has been postponed and will continue on Thursday April 2. Cox confirmed that two of the accused are being represented by Legal Aid, while the third has private legal representation.
One of the accused intended on representing himself but backed down on the decision on advice about the seriousness of the crime.
The nature of the crime has rocked the LGBTIQ+ community so much so that a petition calling for the court to refuse bail to the three accused has been signed by more than 1,300 people, which will be submitted to the court to be placed on record.
According to Cox, the state had confirmed to her that it would oppose the accused’s bail application.
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