The Farren Maarman case has drawn renewed criticism from gender-based violence activists after the police sergeant accused of her murder was granted bail in the Northern Cape, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Maarman, 27, died in Garies in the early hours of 11 October. Women For Change alleges that, after an argument, she got out of their vehicle before Sergeant Quinton Cloete allegedly drove over her several times. Cloete faces a murder charge, with culpable homicide listed as an alternative, according to The Citizen.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane told The Citizen: ‘The circumstances surrounding Maarman’s death remain under investigation and further details cannot be disclosed at this stage to avoid compromising the state’s case.’
Watch the video below as family and community members call for justice for Farren Maarman.
Cloete was granted R3 000 bail on 22 October. Conditions require him to live in Komaggas, enter Garies only for work and remain inside the police station when not on patrol. The case was postponed to 10 December for further investigation.
Women For Change has also raised concerns about reports that Cloete remains on duty. The Diamond Fields Advertiser reported that his bail conditions allow him to report for duty at Garies SAPS. See petition below:
Gender-based violence and femicide were classified as a national disaster in November 2025, requiring coordinated government action without invoking emergency powers, according to the South African government. In February 2026, Parliament reported that South Africa’s femicide rate was nine per 100 000 women, five times the global average.
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Picture: Women For Change / Facebook
