Despite having high hopes that his bail application would be granted, former Wits SRC president, Mcebo Dlamini’s hopes were dashed as Magistrate Albertus Roux denied his bail application at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.
Roux said that it would not be in the interest of justice for Dlamini to get bail. He added that Dlamini had not been forthcoming with the truth and had deviated from it.
Dlamini will be remanded in custody until 15 November when his trial is set to begin, no indication has yet been given if Dlamini will appeal the decision.
He is facing five charges namely malicious damage to property, theft, assault and public violence.
Another former Wits SRC president, Shaeera Kalla spoke after the verdict was read out and pointed out that the State prosecutor, Steven Rubin was a top prosecutor who was brought in to fight a small matter. She added that Dlamini’s arrest was politically motivated.
“Mcebo has been sent away for fighting for a just cause, we are extremely disappointed with this ruling, however, we will continue to fight for free education,” she said.
She said that despite Wits University pledging their support for free education they had done nothing to take the movement forward.
Detained
It is not yet clear where student leader Mcebo Dlamini will be detained for the next month.
Spokesperson for the Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Phindi Louw, said that Dlamini’s lawyers had yet to indicate whether they would be applying for leave of appeal. She explained that the defence in the matter would have to take the case to the High Court. She added that the NPA welcomed the decision not to grant bail in the matter.
Cleveland Police Station Spokesperson, Captain Johan Jordaan said that he had doubts Dlamini would return to their police station where he has been detained since his arrest, and would probably be taken to the Diepkloof prison.
Wits secretary general Fasiah Hassan said that they were in the process of drafting a response in regards to the matter however they were disappointed with the outcome of Dlamini’s bail hearing
Senior Wits communications officer, Shirona Patel said that they would not be commenting on the matter as it was an independent legal process.
Students have been protesting since 19 September when the Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande announced that universities across the country could raise fees up to eight percent.
