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They’ve got nothing on us, say activists

Thabo Jijana

The three community activists from the Unemployed People’s Movement (UPM), and a resident, who are charged with public violence, say they wouldn’t be surprised if the case were withdrawn.

UPM spokesperson Xola Mali spoke to Grocott’s Mail this week after their court case was postponed on Wednesday because the docket was unavailable.

The case against the three activists and a resident – Mali, Ayanda Kota (UPM chairperson), Nombulelo Yami (UPM deputy chairperson), and Ntombentsha Budaza, a Phaphamani resident and member of the Women’s Social Forum – was postponed to 24 March.

“We think the police have nothing substantial against us,” said Mali. “The crimes that all four are accused of cannot be proven.” “We’re not surprised that the police have not concluded their investigation,” said Mali. “We won’t be surprised if the case ends up being withdrawn.”

Mali’s words were bolstered by the news that a new student organisation, Students for Social Justice, will, in the coming months, attempt to work closely with the community of Grahamstown.

Benjamin Fogel, de facto leader of the new group, pledged support for residents who attended the residents’ night vigil at the Cathedral of St Michael and St George on Sunday night. Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali, of the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown, declared his solidarity with the residents of Grahamstown at the same event.

The Students for Social Justice group, according to its Facebook page, “stands in solidarity with the mass movements for social justice located both in Grahamstown and in South Africa at large”.