Final countdown for Alex violence case
FERNDALE – EFF, IFP and DA members wait to hear whether the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will prosecute them or not.
The case involving 101 Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Democratic Alliance (DA) members facing charges for their actions during unrest in Alexandra in May was postponed for the last time. Members (71) charged with public violence, and 30 members charged with assault and malicious damage to property, heard at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, Ferndale, on 15 September that the State’s investigations are complete. On 6 October they will appear again to hear if the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will prosecute them or not. If not, the magistrate will strike the matter off the role.
Most of the accused are EFF members. EFF Gauteng Caucus leader Mgcini Tshwaku said that the State does not have a strong case, and on 6 October, the accused will come with “the masses from the province”. Ntobeng Ntobeng, a member of the EFF provincial leadership, said that about 70 per cent of the accused are innocent. “Many members were arrested for just standing in the crowd,” he said. “Many were sitting in taxis while they were arrested. It is unfair that the State use the police to intimidate us. If the police continue to arrest our members we will go on mass action.”
The unrest involved the burning of tyres, barricading of roads and attempts to set buildings on fire – allegedly by the political party members, and followed allegations that the African National Congress (ANC) and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) tampered with votes during the 2014 general elections.The case is being heard at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court because the court was deemed to provide more security and space than the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court.
Details: Randburg Magistrates’ Court 011 998 5300.
