SECUNDA – Govan Mbeki Community Forum is not happy with the way in which the case of their three leaders has been handled by the Secunda Police and accused officers of being biased and unfair.
The leaders were arrested after the torching of Murray and Roberts’ offices on 13 June.
Messrs Sibusiso Magaya, Tshepo Ngcogwane and Ashley Dubazane were taken into custody on 18 June by the Secunda Police and are facing charges of malicious damage to property, assault and public violence.
They spent nearly a week in custody because their case was postponed twice before they were granted bail of R500 each on 22 June.
They said the time that they spent in the Secunda holding cells was miserable and they claimed they were tortured.
They alleged that the toilets were not working properly, there was no toilet paper and that there was no water.
“They put us in a cell with three sick people who were vomiting the whole night and when we told the police, they were rude and not helpful.
“Even Brig Sifiso Cele was very rude and swearing at us.
“We are not happy, but we hope justice will be served,” said one of the suspects.
They also raised concerns over the bail conditions and said they are harsh.
They are not allowed to participate in the forum or non-legal public gatherings.
The suspects said this is limiting them as leaders of the forum as they have many positive projects that they intend to implement in the township.
“As we speak, the forum wants to clean the roads after the violent protest, but we cannot because of the bail conditions.
“We will adhere to the condition as peaceful citizens.”
They maintained that the forum has good intentions of bettering the lives of the locals and that they are not violent people.
They said the forum is about seeking help for the unemployed youth.
They will appear in the Secunda Court on Monday, 13 August.
Capt Bettinah Zondo, police spokesman, said if the suspects are not happy with anything they must bring the matter forward or open a case against the implicated people.
