KwaZulu Natal Christian Council Leaders visit the 8 Leaders of Abahlali BaseMjondolo in Sydenham Police Station

Bishop Rubin Phillip, the Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council and Rev Phumzile Zondi-Mabizela, the Chief Executive Officer, visited the 8 Abahlali baseMjondolo leaders that were arrested on Sunday 27 September 2009. The visit took place yesterday afternoon, Monday 4 October at Sydenham Police Station. They were accompanied by delegates from the Church Land Programme, as well as the group’s Advocate and Attorney.

The Sydenham Police Station was receptive to our visit, and we were able to visit with the leaders at the two cells in which they are being held. They appeared to be in good health and their spirits still strong. They are anxious for their families as, together with other leaders of Abahlali, their homes have been destroyed in the attacks. Furthermore, as day labourers they are not earning any money to support their families whilst being held by the police.