Carl Niehaus heads to trial over lockdown regulations
Suspended African National Congress (ANC) member Carl Niehaus' case for allegedly breaking lockdown rules will go to trial.
The Jacob Zuma supporter was arrested last month after organising a protest outside the Estcourt Correction Centre - a day after the former president was jailed there for contempt of court.
Niehaus was given until earlier this month to pay an admission of guilt fee.
READ: WATCH: Suspended ANC member Carl Niehaus arrested
However, he says he'll fight the charges.
He appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate's Court on Wednesday morning.
"On the previous occasion, Niehaus was given the option to pay an admission of guilt fine of R3 000," says National Prosecution Authority KZN spokesperson Natasha Kara.
READ: Estcourt police release Carl Niehaus from custody
"He opted not to pay the fine and the matter was thus enrolled. The matter was postponed to 22 to 26 November 2021 for trial."
Niehaus says he plans to plead not guilty.
He's described the charges as unacceptable, malicious and fake.
"I don't believe they have a case. They arrested me when I was doing a one-on-one interview.
"I don't believe that I've contravened the Covid-19 regulations.
"I think this is just a further indication of how the Covid-19 regulations are being abused by those who want to undermine freedom of speech."
