Security has been heightened at the Estcourt Magistrate Court in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands where the trial of former uMkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association spokesperson Carl Niehaus is set to begin.
At the Estcourt Magistrate Court now. That trumped-up farcical COVID-19 case against me is about to proceed … pic.twitter.com/fxROxc7qU7
— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus_carl) February 17, 2022
Members of the police’s public order policing unit have been deployed in and around the court.
There are a few supporters of Niehaus in court.
He is accused of having mobilised a gathering outside the Estcourt prison where former President Jacob Zuma was incarcerated for contempt of court.
After his arrest, Niehaus was asked to pay a R3 000 fine but he opted to go to trial.
VIDEO: Carl Niehaus arrested outside Estcourt prison during a SABC interview:
On Twitter, Niehaus says, “ They’re hell-bent to get me into jail. I will not be intimidated nor silenced!”
I’m up against this today: Trumped-up COVID-19 charges abused for persecution. Mxm, the State prosecutor wants me sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, without the option of a fine. They’re hell-bent to get me into jail.
I will not be intimidated nor silenced!
A LUTA CONTINUA!✊? pic.twitter.com/JvKjZT17o7
— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus_carl) February 17, 2022