Vuwani task team leader blames politics after arrest

Subsequent to his release from Police custody after his arrest on the eve of the national general elections, Pro-Makhado Demarcation Task Team spokesperson Arnold Mulaudzi insists that his capture was politically motivated.
Mulaudzi appeared before the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court last Thursday, was released on R5 000 bail and is expected in court again on 3 June, according to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo. Information made available by Naidoo highlighted that Mulaudzi was arrested last Tuesday night on charges of contravening Section 87(1)(a) par 2 and 3 of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998. The case was postponed to allow for further investigation, he explained.
Mulaudzi, who has been at the forefront of activities in Vuwani ahead of the elections, said the complainant in this case is a senior crime prevention Police official. He stated that the arrest has demoralised him because he does not remember contravening any act or even intimidating anyone during the activities in the area.
“I am still shocked and I believe my arrest was politically motivated. The charges against me are not withdrawn. I will appear again before the court in June. There is a lot of suspicion around the case. I still don’t understand why I was transferred to Polokwane Police Station after the arrest,” Mulaudzi stressed.
Earlier the task team chairperson Takalani Mukhudi described Mulaudzi as a person who is very frank and does not hide anything. He is the pillar of the task team, Mukhudi concluded.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za