Cape Town’s mayor, Helen Zille, joins anti-drug protest march, gets arrested

Posted on September 10th, 2007 by Richard Catto 4,875 views

The mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille, was arrested last night in Mitchell’s Plain after she participated in a protest march against drug dealers.

In a style reminiscent of the Apartheid era, Zille was charged for being part of an illegal gathering. She was released from custody last night at around 20h00.

Zille plans to sue the Minister of Safety and Security for false arrest.

Other protest leaders were also arrested. Zille stated that instead of arresting protesters, police should be arresting the drug dealers. Zille suspects political motives may lie behind the arrest of herself, the leader of the Democratic Alliance.

The arrest follows in the wake of other moves against Democratic Alliance members, such as Mike Waters, who was recently suspended from Parliament for 5 days.

Sources:
Zille to sue over arrest
DA leader Zille arrested in Cape Town
Statement by Helen Zille on her arrest
Zille arrest ‘should be condemned’

Filed under Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille, mayor of Cape Town |

6 Responses to “Cape Town’s mayor, Helen Zille, joins anti-drug protest march, gets arrested”

1. Dale Hanna Says:
   September 10th, 2007 at 14:41

   Correct me if I am wrong, but didnt Helen Zille not three weeks ago DISMISS in the region of 90 Metro Police officers for “illegal protests” ???

   And now she expects different treatment for doing the same thing?

   The LAW and the CONSTITUTION applies to YOU TOO, Helen Zille. Not just to those of us who earn one millionth of what you earn.

   And vigilante action is NEVER a solution.

2. Richard Catto Says:
   September 10th, 2007 at 15:33

   The Metro Police were dismissed for doing things such as removing the license plates from their official vehicles and obstructing the free flow of traffic on the N2.

   A woman (Barbara Blumenthal) on the way to see her mother on her deathbed did not get to say her last goodbyes to her mom, because she passed away while Barbara was stuck in the traffic chaos caused by the Metro Police.

   Zille joined an anti-drug march that had been approved by the authorities, which included the Mitchell’s Plain police. The march was legal. Zille did not organise the march. She joined to show solidarity with a community oppressed by drug addiction. Zille did a good thing. She’s involved. Not sitting at home, living it up on the salary (that you covet).

   Furthermore, this is the mayor of Cape Town we’re talking about, Dale. The police answer to her.

3. Guy Says:
   September 10th, 2007 at 17:49

   Dale, Just a question do you know where your elbow is? Do you understand chain of command? Can you actually read and understand or is your education substandard? I ask only to understand better why you would take the position you have. Helen is the boss, That means the police answer to her. They need to do their jobs or else they should not have jobs. Its simple. Work or don’t, but if you don’t don’t expect to get paid.

   Next the marchers had all the documents. All the permits. The way they were treated is atrocious. But then again, I suppose the article about the blacklisting of parliament by Mr Delivery probably made no sense to you either.

4. Dale Hanna Says:
   September 10th, 2007 at 19:42

   Clearly you are unable to understand that the protest at the police station and on private property was ILLEGAL. No doubt if ever you are falsely accused of being a drug lord and suddenly woke up to protesters on you front lawning trampling over your azaleas and basic civil rights, you will think differently THEN ONLY. Until then, you will continue to whine.

   If its good for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our safety evey single day, then its damn well good for Helen Zille too.

5. lisa Says:
   September 11th, 2007 at 10:40

   hullo there … doesn’t sound too good whats going on up there!

    

6. Dumisani Says:
   October 5th, 2007 at 13:43

   Mrs Helen Zille, with all due respect, we all know that it is time for the elections. So why dont all you politicians visit our communities and try to hypnotise us to voting you to power? Good idea right…Go Mrs Zille. You are not different form the rest of all the power puppets in the parliaments. If you are so concerned about the drugs in Mitchell’s Plain, do it legally please. You are not above the law. And what about crime in Khayelitsha, Nyanga and other black townships around Cape Town, do you care about them? I dont think so, you know why?…They are not convince about your leadership. What the hell! Go there too and act like a saint when all you want is a vote in the next elections, sounds like a great plan?

   The community of Mitchell’s Plain will definetely vote for you congratulations, after that stunt eveyone bought it except for people who know the extent of what politicians would do to get votes. Goodluck with your next stunt.

   If you really care about the needs of the people of the Cape Town, including blacks, start a legal protest and we will support you.I wish people of Mitchell’s Plain would just stop being blind.

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