Cape Town - Ten of 21 activists, including Treatment Action Campaign leader Zackie Achmat, were found guilty of being in violation of the Regulation of the Gatherings Act after chaining themselves to the Civic Centre in 2013.
Those convicted were cautioned and discharged by magistrate Alta Fredericks, who handed down judgment and sentence in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The large group of predominantly Social Justice Coalition (SJC) members squeezed themselves into the dock - many wearing branded T-shirts.
Among them stood Achmat and the SJC’s general secretary, Phumeza Mlungwana, who were convicted along with Xoliswa Mbadisa, Luvo Mankqa, Nomhle Maci, Zingisa Mrwebi, Mlondolozi Sinuku, Vuyolwethu Sinuku, Ezethu Sebezo and Nolulama Jara.
The group was arrested after they chained themselves to the railings in front of the office of mayor Patricia de Lille on September 11, 2013.
They sang songs and held placards protesting issues about the provision of sanitation in informal settlements.
It emerged during court proceedings that initially 15 members had intended to chain themselves but the protest grew.
At the time of the protest, the group had refused to move before the police cut the chains and arrested them.
The 10 were found guilty of convening a gathering without notice in violation of the act and taking part in an illegal demonstration.
Those acquitted on all charges include SJC leader Angie Peter and her husband, Isaac Mbadu, who are to appear in the Western Cape High Court on Thursday after they were convicted last year of necklacing a man.
Others acquitted on Wednesday include Luthando Tokota, Nthutuzelo Vika, Luthango Sindisiwe, Phumzile Tyulu, Axolile Notywala, Craig Oosthuizen, Sonwabile Swartbooi, Sade Ramaipo and Zukiswa Qezo.
Mlungwana said they were happy that it was over. She said the SJC would appeal against the judgment.
“It shows how difficult it is to access the courts - it took us almost two years to get here - imagine how long it takes other people who can’t afford to attend court.”
Achmat said: “It’s nothing to be ashamed of, it was a peaceful protest - protests shouldn’t be a crime.”
Cape Argus