Press statement on Johan Nel's appearance in court 09-07-08

 

COSATU NORTH WEST PRESS STATEMENT ON JOHAN NEL’S APPEARANCE IN COURT in SWARTRUGGENS, 14TH JULY 2008

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has once again has been mobilising its members, civil society, and members of the communities. in particular from Bojanala region. to participate, demonstrate and picket outside Swartruggens court on 14th July 2008 from 8H00 to 14H00.

We will be demanding that Johan Nel’s case be referred to the high court, due to its importance, and we call upon the following;

• That the police protect all COSATU members and communities and those who will be part of the demonstrations during the proceedings of the case.
• That the Department of Justice to be neutral in the matter.
• That the provincial Director of Public Prosecutions agree with the views of the people to refer the matter to the high court
• That the Departments of Safety and Security and Justice prosecute all those who are involved in the many cases that have been reported to the police.
• That all those who are employed either by state or farmers and politicians immediately stop intimidating, victimizing, killing and assaulting poor workers, poor farm dwellers

We are reaffirming our position, that we owe nobody an apology to defend our poor working class. We condemn all killings and assaults regardless of race. Therefore anybody who thinks to intimidate COSATU, you will not win.

The media is invited to the court, and we appeal to you, please media, not to be biased in your report on what is happening in Swartruggens court, and on the farms against farm workers.

For more information feel free to call COSATU NW Provincial Secretary Solly Phetoe on 082 304 4055