Forty-five-year-old Bruce Nimmerhoudt has denied any involvement in the incitement to commit public violence in recent unrest and looting in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Over 300 people have been left dead in both provinces following days of violence, vandalism and looting.
Nimmerhoudt told the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court, west of Johannesburg, that he and his party, the Patriotic Alliance mobilised the community where he lives to refrain from taking part in looting and the destruction of property.
Looting in Jabulani mall in Soweto:
Nimmerhoudt was arrested a week ago at his home following a voice note that was circulated on social media platforms.
A male person could be heard inciting members of society in and around the areas of Krugersdorp, Randfontein and Roodepoort to commit public violence.
Nimmerhoudt says this is not his voice.
“As a party, we are totally or we were totally against the looting that took place in South Africa. We even went to the extreme measures of mobilising our own communities to safeguard key businesses, shopping centres and radio stations.”
“On the evening of the 15 of July, the voice note came through to our WhatsApp group … [it was not my voice in that voice note ].”
Meanwhile, a police operation aimed at recovering some of the allegedly stolen items from last week’s unrest is underway in Springfield in Durban.
eThekwin Metro Police are leading the operation and are supported by members of the SANDF.
Police recovering stolen goods from last week’s looting and violence in Springfield, KZN:
