Update from the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court

29 January 2013
Abahlali baseMjondolo press statement

Update from the Pinetown Magistrate's Court

Abahlali baseMjondolo were at the Pinetown magistrate's court today in our numbers where one of the four comrades from KwaNdengezi appeared on one charge of assault. Comrade Mandla Hlophe was released on warning. His matter has been adjourned for the 19th of February 2013.

The other three comrades were not brought to court on the ground that more charges are still to be laid on to them. Right now we are told that at least four charges are laid against each one of them: public violence, damage to property, assault with gross bodily harm (GBH) and robbery. We have no doubt that all these charges have been fabricated and that this will become clear if this matter ever goes to trial.

As we all know that the state will try by all means to protect its corrupt councilors, corrupt politicians and corrupt officials by making the poor pay for speaking out against its corrupt activities. Now Nqola, the warlord Councilor of the area, has managed to instruct the police to arrest those that are a threat to his kingdom and to protected the MK veteran from being arrested despite having openly threatened comrades with his fire arm and despite a case open being opened against him.

Tomorrow Abahlali will again go to the Pinetown magistrate's court in our numbers to support the three comrades who are still in custody. They are Sindisiwe Mabaso, Mr Madlokovu and Mlungisi Hlongwane.

This is a political case. It is not in any way a criminal matter. This is how a state forces the struggle of the poor off the streets and out of the communities and into the courts where it is known that we are weak. But with the support of our members and friends we are going to make sure, as we have done so often, that justice serves the poor.

For more information please contact:

Thuli Ndlovu: KwaNdengezi Branch: 073 535 0219
Bandile Mdlalose – General Secretary : 071 424 2815
S’bu Zikode – Former President : 083 547 0474

30 January 2013
Abahlali baseMjondolo Statement

Further update from the Pinetown Magistrate's court

Sindisiwe Mabaso, Mr Madlokovu and Mlungisi Hlongwane appeared in court today. All charges were withdrawn against them except for the charge of public violence – which in South Africa usually means nothing more than that a person attended a protest that a councillor or politician didn't like.

Bail has been set at R1 000 for each comrade and we are hoping to have them bailed out by 4:20 p.m. this afternoon.

For more information please contact:

Thuli Ndlovu: KwaNdengezi AbM Branch: 073 535 0219
Bandile Mdlalose – AbM General Secretary: 071 424 2815
S’bu Zikode – Former AbM President: 083 547 0474