Man who made racist comments about Indians in court today
Durban man who made controversial comments on social media about members of the Hindu community regarding fireworks during Diwali celebrations - is appearing in the Durban Magistrate's Court today.
In the post that went viral, Bluff resident Dawie Kriel referred to Hindus as 'idol worshippers', and said they should go back to India.
He later apologised to those who he offended - a day after the comments were made.
Despite the apology, some members of the Hindu community, DA, and ANC - have pressed charges against him.
Speaking to Newswatch before Kriel's appearance, the DA's Hanniff Hoosen says they're hopeful justice will be served.
"A very strong message will be sent by the court to Dawie Kriel and other such sick people in our society who use their anger as a means to advance hatred towards various communities. This is just not acceptable in our day and age. People should be much more tolerant of each others cultures and we hope for that. A very strong message will be sent by the court," he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC's Mdumiseni Ntuli says as the ANC they hope and trust that the process of going to court would allow an opportunity for justice to prevail.
"The sentiment that we express by that person were not only harmful but there were also diametrically opposed to the agenda and the South Africa that we are all working towards is construction," he said.