Update: All four of the arrested comrades were released at 1:10 today. No bail was demanded. There was a vigorous protest outside the police station.

15 August 2012
Unemployed People’s Movement Press Statement

Four Arrests in Umlazi

On Sunday night the Zakheleni Crisis Committee led a march of hundreds of people on the police in Umlazi to demand that they make arrests with regard to the attempted murder of Bhekimuzi Ndlovu following the public screening of a video in which Ndlovu identified his attackers. The police responded by arresting the named individuals and by addressing a mass meeting in the settlement where the promised further investigations. After this the meeting dispersed peacefully.

Following this meeting the family of one of the men that was arrested went to the police and claimed that four leaders of the Zakheleni Crisis Committee had assaulted them. This is an outright fabrication. In fact the police were present in the settlement at the time of the alleged assault. 

This morning at around 8:30 Bheki Buthelezi and Sanelesiwe Maphumulo were arrested. Thembinkosi Khosa handed himself over to the police station a little later and at around 10:00 Khanyile Mahlongo was arrested. The comrades are still in the back of a police van but it is believed that they are heading to the GG police station. They have not been assaulted.

Comrades are requested to call the Station Commander, Mr. Zondi, to express their concern at the arrests and to make clear that they are watching the situation closely. His number is 082 331 9650.

For comment and further updates please contact:

Ayanda Kota (Unemployed People’s Movement): 078 625 6462
Bandile Mdlalose (Abahlali baseMjondolo): 071 424 2815

Please note that Ayanda Kota was an eyewitness to the events in the Zakheleni settlement on Saturday and Sunday nights and that Bandile Mdlalose is currently on her way to the GG police station in Umlazi.