23 June 2012
Unemployed People's Movement Press Statement

Bheki Buthelezi Arrested in Durban This Morning

Bheki Buthelezi, from the Durban branch of the Unemployed People's Movement, was arrested at his home at around 6 this morning. His arrest follows a long struggle by the community in Ward 88 in Umlazi. There have been a number of protests in the area, including road blockades, which culminated in a large march on 8 June 2012.

People have been struggling for housing, electricity and water and against an unresponsive councillor and for participatory development. Even the ANC members in the ward don't want this councillor. The situation with the water is particularly serious as people are being forced to drink from polluted streams.

Abahlali baseMjondolo has scheduled a mass meeting in the area for 8 a.m. this morning. This planned meeting seriously destablised the local ANC and sent them into panic. Early this morning the police came to Bheki's home, intimidated him and warned him to stop the struggle. They demanded that that he cancel the Abahlali baseMjondolo meeting planned for 8 a.m. this morning. Bheki agreed that he is a leader but said that he is responding to the people's anger and not causing it. He refused to stop the Abahlali baseMjondolo meeting and told the police that if the government wants to stop the protests they must address the people's concerns. After this he was arrested and he is currently in detention.

We demand the immediate release of Bheki Buthelezi and we demand that the state stop criminalising and personalising our struggles. Our cause is legitimate and just. How can people be expected to live without houses, electricity and even safe water almost twenty years after democracy? It is a disgrace.

For more information please contact

Ayanda Kota, spokesperson, Unemployed People's Movement: 078 625 6462
Mnikelo Ndabankuli, spokesperson, Abahlali baseMjondolo: 081 309 5485