Pieterse is the central figure in the so-called farm worker strike in the Western Cape. According to Nantes Kelder, Head of the Investigation Unit at AfriForum, the complaints were brought against Pieterse after a report was compiled by an AfriForum task team who visited the affected areas in the Western Cape at the end of 2012.
The complaints were brought in terms of Section 17 of the Riotous Assemblies Act. The relevant section determines that any person can be charged with public violence if his words, publications or mere actions can incite public violence. Such person is then guilty of a criminal offence.
"Pieterse still continues with the unprotected strike, knowing full well that it has become violent. According to AfriForum, he is therefore guilty of a criminal offence and he must take responsibility for his actions," said Kelder.
Kelder furthermore encouraged farmers in the Western Cape to institute a civil class action suit against Pieterse and Cosatu. According to Kelder there is a recent unpublished case where civil action was instituted against Cosatu, where Cosatu had to take responsibility for damages.
Nantes Kelder
Head: Investigation Unit, AfriForum
Cell: 084 619 8264
E-mail: [email protected]
