Charges dropped against EFF members
KENSINGTON B – State took too long to act so matter struck from the roll.
Charges of public violence were dropped against 11 Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 27 November. They were the last of the 101 EFF, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Democratic Alliance (DA) members facing criminal charges for their actions during unrest in Alexandra in May to have their charges withdrawn.
Seventy-one people were facing charges of public violence, and 30 were facing charges of assault and malicious damage to property (see previous article). A magistrate (name?) at the court in Kensington B said if the State wanted to prosecute the final 11 people, it should have started proceedings by now. Instead, it had taken too long to act, and the matter must be struck from the roll.
“I am very happy,” said Pauline Matlou, one of the remaining 11. “It took a long time and there was no strong evidence, no case.” Another one of the 11, Sipho Molapo, said this was “good news”. “We don’t know what to say, but we are more than happy,” he remarked.
The unrest involved the burning of tyres, barricading of roads and attempts to set buildings on fire 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 was heard at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court because the court was deemed to provide more security and space than the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
Details: Randburg Magistrate’s Court 011 998 5300.
