By: Sello Theletsane
The RET Champion has welcomed the decision by Escourt Magistrate to dismiss the case against MKMVA spokesperson Carl Niehaus.
Niehaus appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on Monday for contravening COVID-19 regulations last year.
Niehaus has, however, consistently argued that his arrest was purely political. His alleged transgression occurred outside the Estcourt Correctional Services Centre where former President Jacob Zuma was imprisoned in July last year.
Following the dismissal of the case, Niehaus tweeted: “The farcical factional political COVID-19 case against me was this morning dismissed by the magistrate. Finally, I am vindicated that there was never any case against me. It was only a political farce instigated by the #MinisterOfPolice, #BhekiCele.
A LUTA CONTINUA!”
The farcical factional political COVID-19 case against me was this morning dismissed by the magistrate. Finally I am vindicated that there was never any case against me. It was only a political farce instigated by the #MinisterOfPolice, #BhekiCele.
A LUTA CONTINUA! pic.twitter.com/gkVusuIPuv
— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus_carl) June 27, 2022
RET Champions leader Nkosentsha Shezi, said the court had found that Niehaus committed no offense, “no violation of Covid regulations when he was arrested in front of camera addressing one journalist as opposed to what Ronald Lamula had done on that day when he addressed a large gathering of journalists”.
“We want to congratulate the magistrate for standing on the rule of law when it seems less fashionable for judges to follow the law.”
“We take this opportunity to further warn all officers of the law and even members of our judiciary to always remember that one day Cyril Ramaphosa will have to answer to a litany of criminal cases that he is alleged to have committed.”
Shezi added: “When that time comes, all the judges and all members of SAPS must not be found to have broken the law and carried out illegal instructions by any political leader.”
“We are re-energized to note that justice may seem slow when our leaders are wrongfully arrested but justice will eventually prevail. It is this energy that we will take forward to support Mam Zandile Gumede, President Jacob Zuma, Cde Ace Magashule, and many more of our leaders who are targeted for their zeal for total economic emancipation of our people.”
