24 June 2012

Last night when the comrades from Abahlali baseMjondolo and the Unemployed People's Movement were protesting outside the Umlazi Police Station to demand the immediate release of Bheki Buthelezi, the police said that they would be making further arrests to 'stop the burning of tyres in Umlazi'. They made the same threat to Bheki as he was released at the Adam's Mission Police Station far from the protest.

At the same time as Bheki returned home to the welcome of a large crowd the police went to the Zakheleni shack settlement in Ward 88, Umlazi. There they found a party to celebrate the birthday of a 14-year-old child. This party was peaceful. No one in the settlement had complained and no one had called the police. The police arrested 18 people at this party. Some of the 18 have been involved in protests. Others have not been involved in the ongoing revolt in Ward 88. The 18 have all been charged with public violence which is the standard charge that the police use against activists. They are currently being held in the Umlazi Police Station. It is assumed that they will appear in court tomorrow but the police have not confirmed this.

It is clear that the police are acting on behalf of the local ANC to crush the ongoing rebellion in Ward 88 in Umlazi.

For further information and comment please contact:

Bheki Buthelezi, Unemployed People's Movement, Durban: 072 639 9893

Ayanda Kota, Unemployed People's Movment, Grahamstown: 078 625 6462

Mnikelo Ndabankulu, Abahlali baseMjondolo, Durban: 081 309 5485