Secure bail For Karl Markwald so we can defend ourselves fairly in court
The Issue
Help Us Secure Bail for Karl Markwald, So We Can Defend Ourselves Fairly
My partner Karl arrived in Cape Town on 8 December 2025 from Switzerland where he had been staying with me. I joined him a week later for what was meant to be a lovely 3-week Christmas holiday, visiting family and enjoying summer in the Western Cape.
On 8 January 2026, we were taken into custody where I spent 15 and Karl over 60 days in detention in one of the worst prisons in South Africa awaiting bail. Karl is back there since 31st July, awaiting bail again since 21 days and counting.
The matter in which we are accused involves my 81-year old mother who lost control of herself and attacked us. It was very distressing and I suffered from PTSD for months after. At the same time, I didn't want to lay charges and preferred to let it rest, planning to return home to Switzerland and not have contact with her anymore. This could have been dealt with in family court or mediation, but my sister had us arrested and I have been stuck in South Africa awaiting trial ever since.
Karl is 57 years old and has no prior arrests or convictions. Some of you have met him in Switzerland. He is a kind and caring partner and does not deserve to be treated like this. Despite the "warm welcome" to my family, we are still together. Indeed, he has provided me with a roof and everything I need here since this awful incident.
He has business responsibilities here and teenage children in Europe who depend on him, as well as his aging mother. While in detention, he is unable to support them or manage his affairs.
Furthermore, during his detention, Karl is constantly at risk of being assaulted, as he is mixed in with gang members, convicted murderers and other criminal elements. He has been assaulted and has witnessed several assaults.
In other words, someone who is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt is subjected for several months to the danger of serious injury on a daily basis.
This petition is not about deciding guilt or innocence. It is about something more basic:
the right to a fair opportunity to defend oneself.
From inside prison, it is extremely difficult to:
Work properly with legal counsel
Access documents and evidence
Prepare a full and proper defense
Bail would allow him to do this. It would not end the legal process — it would simply allow him to participate in it fairly.
Karl is willing to comply with any bail conditions set by the court.
I am asking for your support so that we can:
Prepare our defense properly
Face the legal process in a fair and balanced way
Support his dependents and responsibilities
If you believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to defend themselves, please support this petition.
Sign & email authenticate and please share.
Thank you for your consideration
MEN'S LEGAL SAFETY = WOMAN & CHILDREN'S SAFETY
PS. Donations are voluntary and to support this site, not us.
188
The Issue
Help Us Secure Bail for Karl Markwald, So We Can Defend Ourselves Fairly
My partner Karl arrived in Cape Town on 8 December 2025 from Switzerland where he had been staying with me. I joined him a week later for what was meant to be a lovely 3-week Christmas holiday, visiting family and enjoying summer in the Western Cape.
On 8 January 2026, we were taken into custody where I spent 15 and Karl over 60 days in detention in one of the worst prisons in South Africa awaiting bail. Karl is back there since 31st July, awaiting bail again since 21 days and counting.
The matter in which we are accused involves my 81-year old mother who lost control of herself and attacked us. It was very distressing and I suffered from PTSD for months after. At the same time, I didn't want to lay charges and preferred to let it rest, planning to return home to Switzerland and not have contact with her anymore. This could have been dealt with in family court or mediation, but my sister had us arrested and I have been stuck in South Africa awaiting trial ever since.
Karl is 57 years old and has no prior arrests or convictions. Some of you have met him in Switzerland. He is a kind and caring partner and does not deserve to be treated like this. Despite the "warm welcome" to my family, we are still together. Indeed, he has provided me with a roof and everything I need here since this awful incident.
He has business responsibilities here and teenage children in Europe who depend on him, as well as his aging mother. While in detention, he is unable to support them or manage his affairs.
Furthermore, during his detention, Karl is constantly at risk of being assaulted, as he is mixed in with gang members, convicted murderers and other criminal elements. He has been assaulted and has witnessed several assaults.
In other words, someone who is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt is subjected for several months to the danger of serious injury on a daily basis.
This petition is not about deciding guilt or innocence. It is about something more basic:
the right to a fair opportunity to defend oneself.
From inside prison, it is extremely difficult to:
Work properly with legal counsel
Access documents and evidence
Prepare a full and proper defense
Bail would allow him to do this. It would not end the legal process — it would simply allow him to participate in it fairly.
Karl is willing to comply with any bail conditions set by the court.
I am asking for your support so that we can:
Prepare our defense properly
Face the legal process in a fair and balanced way
Support his dependents and responsibilities
If you believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to defend themselves, please support this petition.
Sign & email authenticate and please share.
Thank you for your consideration
MEN'S LEGAL SAFETY = WOMAN & CHILDREN'S SAFETY
PS. Donations are voluntary and to support this site, not us.
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Petition created on 26 August 2026