Lamola condemns display of apartheid flag during Groblersdal protests
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola has reminded residents of Groblersdal that the gratuitous display of the old South African flag is a criminal offence.
Lamola spoke outside the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court, where Limpopo private security manager Pieter Groenewald and his son appeared on a charge of attempted murder.
Groenewald (63) and his son 27-year-old son, Stephan Greef, allegedly assaulted an employee they suspected to be drunk during work hours.
During their first court appearance, supporters of Groenewald clashed with the police outside court, demanding his release.
Police fired stun grades to disperse the protestors, some of whom were seen waving the old South African flag.
Last year, the Supreme Court of Appeal upheld a ruling that the “gratuitous” public display of the country’s old apartheid-era flag amounts to hate speech and racial discrimination and can be prosecuted.
"We want to affirm the rights of everyone to protest and express whatever opinions they have, but such protests must be done peacefully,” Lamola said.
"We condemn any form of violence, blockage or forced entry in our courts.
"We also condemn any display of apartheid flags that reminds us of the apartheid past in our country by any grouping. We all belong to the democratic South Africa and must abide by its constitution.”
The case has been postponed to Wednesday.
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