http://www.themercury.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5551391

Global support for Kennedy Road 12

July 12, 2010 Edition 1

NTOKOZO MFUSI

CIVIL society organisations from Germany and Japan have thrown their weight behind 12 men who will go on trial today following an attack at the Kennedy Road informal settlement, in Sydenham, Durban, in which two men died last year.

The 12 are all charged with public violence, while five are additionally charged with murder and seven with attempted murder in connection with the September 26 attack. Some also face other charges.

The shack dwellers’ movement Abahlali baseMjondolo said its members had been targeted in the attacks and instead of arresting the perpetrators, the police had arrested 12 innocent members of Abahlali.

German organisations Basta! Witten Tenants Association and Akoplan were joined by the International Alliance of Inhabitants, Habitat International Coalition and individuals from Japan in writing to President Jacob Zuma, calling for a fair trial.