Cape Town - Supporters of the poo protesters showed up in full force again outside the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning, following a violent confrontation with police on Tuesday.
A riot erupted on Tuesday when police tried to apprehend Ses’Khona Human Rights Movement leaders Loyiso Nkhola and Andile Lili, who are among nine standing trial for dumping faeces at Cape Town International Airport.
Supporters warned that if police tried the same thing again today the resulting riot would be far worse. They danced and sang outside when their leaders arrived to face trial.
Police gathered outside the gate of the court building which had been locked using handcuffs.
They were taking no chances as they wore full riot gear and prepared stun grenades, an Nyala armed with a water cannon at the ready. It was what police used on Tuesday to disperse the angry crowd.
The court case was pushed to this afternoon.
The trouble began on Tuesday when Nkohla, reportedly jumped on top of a Nyala. Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Andre Traut said when police forced him to come down, the crowd reacted violently.
Three people were arrested on charges of public violence. They will be formally charged and appear in court later this week, added Traut.
“None of those arrested were involved in the court case,” Traut said.
It was a violent start to a trial over a year in the making.
kieran.legg@inl.co.za
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