Johannes Bothma, who was captured on video attacking a Johannesburg pastor for allegedly wearing an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) cap, made his second appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 18 July.
Bothma handed himself over at the Roodepoort Police Station in June, and was charged with crimen injuriaas well as assault, after the video, which showed him punching Ron Rambebu through the window of his car at a petrol station, went viral.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/06/26/watch-man-assaulted-for-allegedly-wearing-eff-cap/
The case was postponed to 19 and 20 September for trial.
Speaking to the media outside court, Rambebu said he thinks that the State is trying to build a very strong case.
“I am very comfortable with the Prosecutor and how he is handling the case. I am looking forward to seeing the State sending a very strong message because what is happening in our country has to stop,” he said.
The pastor added that it is time that racism stops in South Africa.
Read more:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/06/28/man-who-allegedly-assaulted-local-pastor-turns-himself-in/
“I want people like Johan Bothma to know that the time to abuse black people is over. You can’t just meet someone in the street and attack him. I had a brief meeting with the Prosecutor, who told me that the trial is going to be strong and they will make sure that witnesses are available,” he said.
The EFF also expressed its contentment with the court proceedings.
“We are happy with the whole process. I see that the State is taking the case seriously. We are going to make sure that the case is fair and that the organisation, victim, and the community at large are happy. This is a very serious case, but there is nothing we can do at the moment, we will just wait for the outcome,” said Mike Motaung, the EFF chairperson in Ward 84.
