MEMBERS of the Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo) were seen defacing a panel-beating workshop which belongs to one of the suspects in the Maselspoort incident, in Bloemfontein, Free State, on Wednesday, 28 December.
They used black and yellow paint to write: “Racism has no place in Azania.”
This after two of the three accused were released on warning by the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.
Azapo deputy president Kekeletso Khena said painting the panel-beating workshop of the suspect is a clear message to all racists in South Africa.
Khena said racists cannot be allowed to benefit in the South African economy.
Azapo provincial secretary for publicity and information Gaontebale Nodoba said they have learnt with shock about the release on warning of two of the three suspects.
Nodoba said Azapo has promised to make the life of all white racists a living hell.
“Following on these and other similar cases is but one of the many ways of keeping with that promise. We wanted to open a case of hate crimes against the men seen in a video circulating on social media. In the said video these racist white males can be seen assaulting black children. We were unable to open a case or lay charges of hate crimes and racism because the system of the South African Police Service does not make provision for charges of racism or hate crimes.
“This left us with the impression that the South African criminal justice system has inadequate laws to combat crime. To Azapo racism is criminal! The problem seems to lie with lawmakers which are the parliamentarians. It
does not make sense not to have provision for
prosecuting racism and hate crimes generally; especially in a country with a toxic racial past, a racially polarised society and prevalence of white supremacy, white privilege and white fragility,” said Nodoba.
The 48-year-old third suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court today, Thursday 29 December, facing a charge of attempted murder after he was allegedly seen trying to drown one of the teenagers during the scuffle at the Maselspoort Resort on Christmas Day.
Two other accused, Johan Nel (33) and Jan Stephanus van der Westhuizen (47), have been released on warning following a brief appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on charges of common assault and crimen injuria.
Their case has been postponed to Wednesday, 25 January.
Members of the community and political parties in the Free State are expected to picket outside the magistrates court when the third suspect appears.
