At each trial hearing, the
court room would be filled with Joshua’s family and friends. Each time Joshua
was brought in, he would turn around and stare menacingly at Mantwa to
further intimidate her. Diepsloot Youth Project’s staff attorney attended
each hearing with Mantwa so she would not be alone, nine in total. In a show
of support, several of Mantwa’s friends and other Diepsloot Youth Project
staff members and volunteers also attended some of the hearings. As one can
imagine, each hearing was emotionally draining for Mantwa and her friends
(who were also witnesses in the case) due to Joshua’s extremely violent
nature and, consequently, the personal risk for their continued involvement
in this case. In fact, after completing their testimony, Mantwa and several
witnesses relocated to another province out of fear for their safety if they
remained in Diepsloot.
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