Three March and March leaders arrested after Hlobane operation near Vryheid
Three March and March leaders remain in custody after an operation targeting foreign-owned shops in Hlobane.
Three leaders of the March and March organisation appeared in the Driefontein Magistrate’s Court after being arrested in connection with an operation involving foreign-owned businesses in Hlobane.
The arrests follow allegations that the leaders pointed a firearm at foreign nationals and looted their shops during the operation. The organisation has denied the allegations.
Community concerns
According to information gathered, members of the organisation were invited by residents to conduct an operation in Hlobane after concerns were raised that children allegedly became ill after purchasing snacks from foreign-owned shops.
During the operation, the foreign shop owners were reportedly instructed to remove their stock and close the containers from which they were trading. Following the incident, the foreign nationals opened a case with the police, leading to the arrest of three organisation leaders.
Support outside court
On Monday, community members, March and March supporters and local business owners gathered outside the court to show support for the detained leaders.
Speaking to Makhiwa TV, supporter Mduduzi Buthelezi rejected the allegations against the organisation.
“The crimes that the leaders are implicated in are not true, and we are witnesses to what happened during the operation. There was no looting and no container was taken by the leaders. Regarding the allegation of pointing a firearm, that is also false. Yes, they legally own firearms, but they have never used them during these operations. They may carry them, but they are never taken out or used. We thank the community members for showing support to our leaders. Once they are released, we will discuss the way forward, but we will continue with these operations.’’
Case postponed
The three accused were not granted bail during their court appearance. The matter has been postponed to Wednesday for further proceedings.
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
