24 May: Kennedy Road 6 Banning Order Overturned in Court

[fsg_gallery id=”399″]Red Greetings,

Today Kennedy 6 appeared before the mgistrate at Durban magistrate court. This was a hearing for an application to reverse or relax conditions of bail that was granted last month, 13 April 2007. The main condition to be relaxed or amended was the one that prohibits the accused to set their foot at Kennedy Road settlement fearing that they may, (not they will) interfere or intimidate witnesses. The state prosecutor opposed the application stating the above concern. However the defence lawyer argued against this concern in that it is not based on any fact but on a suspicion. Laying the judgement the magistrate said that there is no evidence that witnesses were being, or will be intimidated, even if there were intimidated there are mechanisms to deal with that within the justice system. Therefore the court is satisfied with the conditions relaxed and the 6 comrades can go back to Kennedy Road and be with their families. They will appear before him on the 3rd July 2007 for the ruling of the Director of Public Prosecution. The magistrate mentioned that the reason for granting of bails is so that people may continue with their lives whilst the court hearing is pending. Overjubilance overwhelmed supporters and the accused. Outside the court there was chanting and hugging, and in his speech Sbu Zikode reassured comrades saying that unconditional support will be given to comrades because this war is everybody s war, until land and housing is delivered.

Earlier this week Sbu Zikode delivered a speech at a graduation ceremony for church ministers, inviting them to be church in the context of poverty and take part in the struggles of the poor.

On Sunday 27 May 2007, they will be a mass prayer at Kennedy Road to give support to families of people who lost their lives through shack fires and other victims including victims of unlawful arrests. This also marks the beginning of a process of an open dialogue between the church and Abahlali BaseMjondolo Movement.

Struggle Continues,

David Ntseng