'Number of attacks’ on pro-Palestine supporters in SA, claims Africa4Palestine
A lobby group says it's seen widespread attacks on pro-Palestine supporters and campaigners in the country.
Africa4Palestine has been commenting after a suspect made his first court appearance following the murder of Umbilo's mother, Halima Hoosen-Preston.
"Since October 7th, there has been a number of recorded incidents in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth - where a number of activists were attacked, either by Zionists supporters, harassed, provoked and violence instigated against them," says Alie Komape.
Grayson Beare lined up in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Tuesday on charges of murder and attempted murder.
READ: Durban man in court for stabbing death of ‘Palestine supporter’
Hoosen-Preston was stabbed in an attack on Sunday that was alleged to have been motivated by her family's support for Palestine.
Her husband and son were also wounded.
Police are still investigating the motive, but the victim's daughter claims the attack was because the family supported Palestine.
"There is a history of a string of violence against pro-Palestine campaigners in this country. In that context, we believe that this is a desperate attempt to muddy the waters and an attempt to deflect attention from the real issue, which is Palestinian freedom and liberation," Komape adds.
Beare, who briefly appeared in court, has been sent for a mental assessment.
ALSO READ: Accused in stabbing death of Durban woman sent for mental assessment
He will be back in court next week.
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
“Beare’s actions or views do not represent the Jewish community who have expressed sympathy to the families for their loss and pray for a speedy recovery for those injured. Our thoughts are with them at this heartbreaking time,” the SAJBD said in a statement.
“It is appalling and unacceptable that a tragic situation has been turned into a vilification campaign of the broader Jewish community. It is also totally reckless, bigoted and inappropriate to hold all the members of a religion responsible for the reprehensible act of an unstable individual.”
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