Public Gathering Act case thrown out of court 12 - 10 - 06

Public Gatherings Act case thrown out of court

The case against Even Abrahamse, SATAWU Western Cape Provincial Secretary, was today, 12 October 2006, dismissed at the Cape Town Magistrates Court. The case, linked to the Security Industry strike action, tried to hold Abrahamse responsible for the events of a march convened by SATAWU on 16 March 2006, citing provisions of the Public Gatherings Act.

SATAWU lawyer Ralph Jiyana argued that the fact that the state could not provide a docket to the court indicated that the state was not taking the case seriously and therefore it should be struck off the roll.

Further cases linked to the strike, including that of COSATU Provincial Secretary, Tony Ehrenreich, are continuing in November 2006.

SATAWU sponsored a resolution in the recent COSATU National Congress condemning the malicious prosecution of members and leaders during this and other strikes by the state.

For further information please contact Even Abrahamse on 073 164 2501