http://www.grocotts.co.za/content/activists-cry-foul-public-violence-case-stalls-again-01-05-2011

Activists cry foul as public violence case stalls again

Timothy Gabb

The court case involving three local community activists and a resident, arrested for public violence during a protest in February, has been postponed for the third time since their arrest four months ago.

Last Friday Ayanda Kota, Xola Mali, Nombulelo Yami, of the Unemployed People’s Movement, and Ntombentsha Budaza, of the Women’s Social Forum, appeared in the Grahamstown Magistrate’s Court.

Their case was again postponed – this time to 22 June, despite a special request from the activists’ defence attorney that the second postponement, on 24 March, be the last. UPM spokesperson Xola Mali believes the latest postponement to be a delaying tactic, as the four are not allowed to take part in protests and gatherings, as per their bail conditions.

“We are confident that the police have no case against us,” said Mali, outside their court appearance. “These are just delaying tactics.” Chairperson of the Women’s Social Forum, Nosigqibo Soxujwa said: “We feel that this is unfair because these people are leaders of the community. They are not criminals.” Mali said: “[The police] are afraid that we might again cause the public to be in turmoil.”