WATCH: Magashule fans shut down ‘Gangster State’ launch, rip books apart
A group of ANC protesters forced Exclusive Books in Sandton City Mall to close its doors after wrecking a book launch of 'Gangster State'.
Protesters shut down the launch of Pieter-Louis Myburgh’s ‘Gangster State’ in Exclusive Books, Sandton City Mall, 9 April 2019. Picture: Screengrab
“They can’t call us k****r anymore, now they call us corrupt!”
This was one of the slogans a group of protesters shouted tonight as they laid siege to the Exclusive Books branch in Sandton City Mall in Johannesburg, where Pieter-Louis Myburgh’s explosive new book, Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule’s Web of Capture, was being launched by Penguin Random House South Africa.
Author Myburgh was just starting to answer questions from discussion leader Mondli Makhanya, City Press editor-in-chief, when protesters stormed into the store.
What started out as a very well-attended function in the upmarket mall, descended into chaos when the protesters disrupted proceedings by singing loudly, taking out “Stratcom State” posters and waving them about.
— @PenguinBooksSA (@PenguinBooksSA) April 9, 2019
Mall security was called but it made no difference as protesters grabbed copies of the book, ripped them apart and tore pages from the books, scattering them on the floor. Some of the protesters were escorted off the premises as mall security alarms were activated.
Security riot back-up was called and launch attendees started streaming from the store, with protesters shouting, “Go! Go! Why are you prosecuting Ace Magashule?”
— @PenguinBooksSA (@PenguinBooksSA) April 9, 2019
Some of the protesters then took their singing and chanting into the mall, where Exclusive Books CEO Grattan Kirk tried to reason with them. This did not stop the chanting and singing, and in the end the store’s doors were closed.
— @PenguinBooksSA (@PenguinBooksSA) April 9, 2019
Exclusive Books doors being closed. Remember you can still get your copy online or at all leading bookstores countrywide. Fake news? Or did #GangsterState by @PLMyburgh hit the nail right on the head? Decide for yourself. #AceMagashule pic.twitter.com/ucPKsMDgdy
— @PenguinBooksSA (@PenguinBooksSA) April 9, 2019
The actions of the protesters have been widely condemned on social media.
This is an ANC gathering. Listen to the lead protestor. 28 days before a supposedly reformist election, ANC members have destroyed books and stopped a launch. #GangsterState https://t.co/67yh0njgfp
— Ferial Haffajee (@ferialhaffajee) April 9, 2019
Increasingly clear that supporters of @Magashule_Ace, ANC members/supporters do not believe in the basic right of free speech.
This is evidenced by the stated plans to burn @PLMyburgh book #GangsterState and a disruption of a book launch underway at Exlcusive Books in Sandton.
— Kyle Cowan (@CowansView) April 9, 2019
Big moment for @CyrilRamaphosa. ANC supporters ripping up copies of #GangsterState tonight, ANCYL planning a book-burning, all in the name of the ANC. The gangsters in full cry. Will he stand up? Can he?
— Tom Eaton (@TomEatonSA) April 9, 2019
(Compiled by Carina Koen.)
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