Statement: R2K strongly condemns the illegal arrest and assault of KZN whistleblower!
The Right2Know Campaign strongly condemns the illegal arrest and assault of KwaZulu-Natal whistleblower, Thabiso Zulu who was arrested last night at his home by members of the Public Order Police unit.
Zulu has been targeted and persecuted for speaking out against corruption across the province of KZN especially at uMzimkhulu and uMsunduzi municipalities among others.
Yesterday’s arrest is said to be linked to a peaceful anti-corruption protest that took place in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg on Monday morning. Twenty-four people were arrested and charged with public violence during the protest after clashing with the police. They were all released without appearing in court.
The Copesville protest was a follow-up to a similar protest that took place in October last year where Zulu survived an assasination attempt, two years after he gave evidence at the Moerane commission of inquiry into the KwaZulu-Natal political killings, about the multi-million rand corruption in the municipality and the murder of former ANC Youth League deputy secretary general Sindiso Magaqa. Zulu is yet to receive proper protection from the state.
It is disheartening to witness such violations metered out against a whistleblower in a country that is sliding deeper into corruption abyss.
If we want to win the fight against corruption, we cannot allow criminals including those in SAPS to operate with impunity. The police who assaulted Zulu must be arrested. We must bring an end to the persecution of whistleblowers. Politicians, leadership from all state institutions, as well as the corporate sector must show a commitment to promoting and protecting whistleblowing in our society. We also call on all South Africans to defend their right to speak out!
For more information contact:
Sthembiso Khuluse, R2K KZN Organiser: 081 575 3832
Thabo Maile, R2K NWG Member: 078 119 4257
