Update from Umlazi: Zwelethu Train Station Shut Down & Protest at the Police Station

18 July 2012
Combined UPM & AbM Press Statement

Update from Umlazi: Zwelethu Train Station Shut Down & Protest at the Police Station

At around 4:00 a.m. yesterday morning activists involved in the Umlazi Occupation and the ward 88 struggle closed down the Zwelethu Train Station. This action was in protest at the failure of the police to arrest the ward councillor, Nomzamo Mkhize, after she and her son assaulted an activist.

There was a stand-off between activists and the police at the train station following which the general secretary of the BEC of the local ANC branch, Sandile, tried to arrange an urgent meeting with Nigel Gumede. A meeting with Gumede has always been one of the demands of the Umlazi Occupation.

At around 7:00 a.m. Nigel Gumede personally phoned AbM Secretary General Bandile Mdlalose to schedule a meeting which has been set for next Monday although the time and venue still has to be decided.

The occupation at the councillor's office continues in Ward 88 and will continue until the issues that led to the rebellion in Umlazi are fully resolved. If the meeting with Gumede does not happen, of if it does happen and is just another talk shop, Plan B will be implemented.

Today the Ward 88 occupiers are following the rest of the country and dedicating 67 minutes of their time to Mandela Day. They are spending 67 minutes picketing the Umlazi GG police station and demanding that (1) Nomzamo Mkhize and her son are arrested and charged with assault and that (2) there is a full and thorough investigation of police violence against activists and (3) that there is a full and thorough investigation of the shooting of two activists in the Zakheleni shack settlement.

For more information contact:

Bheki Buthelezi: 072 639 9893
China Ngubane: 072 651 9790
Bandile Mdlalose: 071 424 2815

Update 1: 16:01, 18 July The meeting with Nigel Gumede has been confirmed for 9:00 am on Monday at the City Hal
Update 2: 6:24 18 July Word has been received that the Councillor has been arrested and will appear in court today