The arrest of Mzonke Poni and indefensible actions of police officers

To whom it may concern,

I am a citizen of Cape Town and have received with great concern the news of the unlawful abduction and detention of Mzonke Poni, a member and leader of Abahlali baseMjondolo.

This follows the wilful and blatant disregard of a court order to stop the illegal demolition of peoples shacks. Even when the lawyer turned up to show evidence of the order, the lawyer was treated in a manner unbefitting any decency.

I have lived in Zimbabwe and have also witnessed the actions of the state there. The actions displayed by the SAPS are a chillingly replica of such barbaric behaviour. Furthermore, it is disgraceful that that 15 years into our democracy, police officers under the orders of the City of Cape Town, are contravening court judgements that protect the poor in our country. Such actions are indefensible.

I demand the immediare release of Mzonke and that the commanding police officers that ordered and lead all the unlawful actions be charged.

Yours etc,
Ashley Fataar
Keep Left
Zimbabwe Labour Centre
Social Justice Coalition