Following the attack by police on immigrants sheltering in the Johannesburg Central Methodist Church on July 30, we now have a clear picture of what police in South Africa think they can get away with, but I was so happy to see that the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) were so quick in condemning the raid.
The importance of the biggest labour body here condemning xenophobia cannot be over-emphasised. We Zimbabweans can now see hope. When I read the statement issued by COSATU, it was clear what had to be done…. Protest.
Regis Mtutu from the TAC immediately indicated their support and Tony Ehrenreich from COSATU committed without any hesitation. The TAC went.as far as committing to fund the protest with Zackie Achmat and Regis Mtutu both expressing great passion in supporting the protest.
In the wake of the brutal behaviour of the Johannesburg police, PASSOP issued this brief statement: “We are against the apartheid -style raid on the Johannesburg Central Methodist Church. We believe it was an unethical, malicious and a brutal xenophobic operation initiated by the SAPS (South African Police Service). We question their motives and demand that they be held responsible for their conduct. It is clear that the police brutality towards the immigrant population, especially the Zimbabweans, is common in every province. The SAPS are preaching xenophobia, and implementing it. We believe the police are guilty of human rights violations.”
I have to compliment the Methodist Church and encourage them to continue supporting our people. Bishop Paul Verryn is truly a great man. When I asked what we could do to help he responded: “Make sure that the world knows that it is common practice for police to brutalise immigrants”.
We intend to protest outside of the Cape Town central police station today (February 7) – the same station responsible for arresting me three times, beating immigrants and recently arresting large numbers of Zimbabweans for menial charges such as loitering. We are organising this with the TAC, COSATU, other organisations and several religious leaders have also confirmed their attendance. Â
I hope by the time this is printed all of the immigrants arrested will be free.- Contact:
Braam Hanekom on 0832561140, braam@passop.co.za.
Regis Mtutu 0843108614, regis@tac.org.za
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