Fees-must-fall activist Mcebo Dlamini says he’s ready to go to trial to prove his innocence.
The former Wits University SRC president has rejected the state’s plea bargain agreement.
Dlamini says the charges linked to the 2016 fee protests are politically motivated and should be quashed.
It was Dlamini’s 30th court appearance since his arrest in 2016.
Hoping to finalise the matter, the state submitted a plea bargain setting aside six charges.
The remaining charge of public violence would have meant a suspended five year jail sentence. But the Fees Must Fall activist wants to go to trial.
Mcebo Dlamini says:”A plea bargain says there is an element of guilt, secondly this thing is politically motivated, why you are prosecuting us now when there is peace.”
Dlamini faces a litany of charges for the violent Fees Must Fall protest at Wits two years ago.
They include theft‚ assault‚ public violence and malicious damage to property. Dlamini insists the state is grasping at straws.
Dlamini is among several student leaders across the country facing similar charges.
Dlamini is due back in court on the 2nd of March when a trial date will be set.
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