Four Dunoon men released on bail

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

The arrest of the four - originally five - follows a protest by residents along Malibongwe Drive on Monday, May 12, said Milnerton police spokesperson, Captain Nopaya Madyibi ("Dunoon erupts after demolition of structure used as shop," Tabletalk, May 14).

The fifth man, 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.”

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) community activist Lundi Wulana of the Dunoon branch, claimed all allegations against the men 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 Mr Wulana.

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

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

Mr 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.

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 Mr 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 Monday, 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.

“This has had an emotional and psychological impact on the men who were arrested - some as young as 22 - who did not deserve to be behind bars,” said Mr Dedezana.

He confirmed he has been in talks with the City of Cape Town to address the urgent need for improved basic services and housing in Dunoon.

JP Smith, mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, said that on Monday May 12, the City demolished three unlawfully constructed brick-and-mortar walls, and issued formal notices to residents nearby, instructing them to remove the illegal structures.

“These walls were identified by City officials, and the residents failed to comply with the notices,” he said.

“The site is subject to ongoing land invasion concerns, and anyone intending to build must first obtain authorisation from the lawful landowner,” Mr Smith said.

He emphasised that the City strongly condemns any violent protest in response to lawful actions taken by City staff.

Tabletalk reached out to Milnerton police for comment on the missing docket but no response had been received at the time of going to print.