Dunoon residents released on bail after public violence charges

Four Dunoon residents were released on R1 500 bail each on Monday after spending two weeks in Pollsmoor Prison on charges of public violence, according to Milnerton police.

The arrest of the four suspects - originally five, follows a protest along Malibongwe Drive on May 12, when residents blocked Malibongwe Drive and Potsdam Road with burning tyres after the City’s Law Enforcement allegedly demolished a brick structure used for business purposes in the Ezihagwinie informal settlement. 

The fifth suspect, in his late 20s, was released the following day after proving he had been walking home from work when he was arrested for allegedly “inciting public violence”.

SA National Civic Organisation (SANCO) community activist, Lundi Wulana of the Dunoon branch, claimed all allegations against the suspects are inaccurate and can be disproven through an independent investigation.

“Their alibis are true. These men were at home while others were protesting. Police simply picked them up from their homes and accused them of being involved,” said Wulana.

He added that SANCO, together with some residents, raised the R6 000 needed for the suspects's bail.

“It was a time for the community to stand together - we are all facing the same struggle,” he said.

Wulana described Dunoon as a “hotspot” at the moment, with residents threatening further protests.

However, he emphasised that the planned demonstrations are not intended to be violent.

This, as residents are demanding answers from the City of Cape Town regarding the ongoing housing crisis in the area.

“The City of Cape Town said they would get back to us within seven days about the issues we raised, but that time has passed. Innocent people spent time in jail, and their records are now tainted. We are angry,” said Wulana.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, supported the claim that the men were “hand-picked and forcibly removed from their homes”.

“I stood holding a rock in front of a policeman. We made eye contact, and he didn’t do anything. Two hours later, they went and removed those men from their homes. Something’s not right - this is politically driven,” she said.

Dunoon ward councillor, Thando Dedezana, said he also assisted the families financially to help secure the men’s release.

He expressed frustration after attending their first court appearance on May 26, only to learn that the case docket had not been sent from the Milnerton police station.

As a result, the men were sent back to prison and given a new court date.

Cape Argus