EFF protesters get R1000 bail

The three, said to be members of the newly formed political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), appeared in the Benoni Magistrates Court on September 11.

EFF members, clad in red berets and T-shirts, chanted outside the court and packed the court room in support of their fellow “fighters”.

Magistrate Mitzi Schutte set bail at R1 000 each.

The defence team comprised of advocate Tiyiselani Dennis Mabaso and instructing attorney, Matome Moloto.

Among the bail conditions were that they do not intimidate witnesses and that they do not return to their addresses in Barcelona until the matter is finalised.

The three were arrested on September 9, and are facing charges including assault, arson, public violence and intimidation.

Mabaso indicated that they would deny all the charges levelled against “our” clients.

The case has been postponed to October 18 for further investigation.

EFF regional spokesman Julias Mdluli said the arrest was a witch hunt on EFF members launched by the police.

“One of the people arrested was not even around during the protest,” said Mdluli.

During the protest, a councillor’s office and 35 bucket toilets were set on fire.