Cape Town - Seven men who allegedly dumped human waste at Cape Town International Airport were denied bail by the Bellville Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Magistrate Jannie Kotze ruled that it was not in the interest of justice to release the men because it was likely they would commit a similar offence again.
The men are Loyiso Nkohla, Andile Lili, Yanga Njingwana, Ben Dyani, Jaji Diniso, Bongile Zanazo, and Thembela Mabanjwa.
The magistrate granted bail of R500 each to the two remaining men, Bantubakhe Mqobodiya and Wandisile Mkapa, on the basis of their medical conditions.
They were ordered not to convene or attend a protest without authorisation, to refrain from threatening, intimidating or interfering with members of the public, and to not damage or interfere with public property.
All the men are charged under the Civil Aviation Act, and face up to 30 years in prison if they are found guilty.
The men allegedly dumped 10 buckets of faeces at the departures terminal of the airport on June 25.
Nkohla, who is an ANC councillor, and Lili, who is a former councillor, were arrested while out on a warning for a similar offence.
They were released on condition they not take part in any protests.
“In spite of this condition, they arranged for faeces to be dumped at the airport which, in fact, has nothing to do with service delivery,” Kotze said.
“They even went and notified the media. The only inference the court can draw from this is that they were not worried about being identified. This shows no respect for the court or legal system.”
The case was postponed until August 5, for the investigation to be completed and for the director of public prosecutions to decide on a trial court.
Supporters packed the benches and shouted as the men were led back to the holding cells.
They became loud and started singing songs in the court, while police officers looked on.
They took their protest outside and sang and danced peacefully in front of the court building in Landros Road. - Sapa
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