Cops hold back Zuma supporters

2008-09-05 16:05

Durban - Supporters of African National Congress president Jacob Zuma attempted to force their way into the Pinetown Magistrate's Court on Friday as their colleagues chanted slogans and picketed outside various other courts across the greater Durban area.

The protests arranged by the ANC's eThekwini region, would be followed by the handing over of memorandums detailing the party's demands, including that the National Prosecuting Authority drop charges against Zuma.

Inspector Solomon Mbhele said a crowd of about 1 000 converged outside the court.

Some, he said, were armed with sticks.

"The protestors were trying to get into the court but police with riot shields managed to stop them. Some protestors were also throwing the orange cones that were demarcating the surrounding roads," Mbhele said.

"There was not too much violence but there was a lot of chancing," he said.

John Mhunu, ANC eThekwini general secretary said that officials closed the door to the court building, preventing the protestors form entering.

He said: "We are members of the public and like them we have a right to enter the building."

Meanwhile, a crowd of about 100 were seen picketing outside the Durban Magistrates Court.

Protestors held a big banner which read: "We shall take arms if need be to support ANC president Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma."

In KwaMashu, Constable Siwe Nxumalo reported that at least 300 supporters were protesting outside the Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court.

At the Umlazi court, Superintendent Danelia Veldhuizen said there were about 100 protesters.

There were unconfirmed reports of cases at the court being rolled over due to high noise levels.

Captain Edmund Singh said a small group of about 50 protesters had gathered at the Chatsworth Magistrate's Court.

Overall, Mchunu declared Friday's protests successful.

Another protest was planned for September 10 outside the National Prosecuting Authority's offices in Durban.

On the eve of September 12, when Zuma finds out whether Judge Chris Nicholson has ruled in his favour to have the decision to charge him declared unlawful, protesters will converge on Pietermaritzburg's Freedom Square (formerly Market Square) for a night vigil.

Zuma faces charges which include corruption and fraud.

Zuma was charged in 2005 but that case was struck from the roll in 2006. He was re-charged in December 2007.

Two Thint companies - Thint Holding (Southern Africa) Pty Ltd and Thint (Pty) Ltd - are the South African subsidiaries of the French arms manufacturing giant Thales International (formerly Thomson-CFS) and they also face similar charges for allegedly paying him bribes.

- SAPA