Operation Dudula is set to continue its work following the release of its leader Nhlanhla Lux Dlamini from police custody.
The Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court granted Dlamini bail yesterday after he spent three nights behind bars at the Johannesburg Central Police station.
He was given R1 500 bail under the condition that he hand over his passport to the State, and that he does not contact the man who laid criminal charges against him. Dlamini was charged with house breaking, theft and malicious damage to property. There were threats of a shutdown in Soweto had Dlamini not been released on bail.
During court proceedings his legal team told the court that the charges were baseless and that the State had no case. Magistrate Ruby Mathys had also asked that Dlamini be confined to Gauteng province, but the defence objected to that saying that he had been asked by the Police Minister Bheki Cele to go around the country addressing splinter groups to avoid mayhem.
Dlamini was given an opportunity to address the court. He apologised for dressing casually and said he meant no disrespect to the court.
His release from police custody was celebrated by Dudula members, who came from different parts of the country to show their support. After thanking the group, Dlamini revealed that there were death threats on his life, but he said he was willing to die for his cause.
"There is word on the street that I will not spend two weeks alive, and that I am going to get shot. I will die for my people and I will be the happiest dead man alive. I will be sitting next to Chris Hani and I will say I left others who will continue the work," Dlamini said.
Despite tensions between the leaders of Operation Dudula and the EFF, Dlamini told his supporters not to retaliate against threats or comments made by EFF members. He said he had had the opportunity to open a criminal case against the EFF, but had chosen not to do so. Dlamini said there was no need to fight a dying political party.
“We are not going to carry placards saying that Malema must die. Those who hate us must benefit from our leadership. When you meet an EFF member, give them a hug,” Dlamini said.
He vowed to continue fighting lawlessness and the scourge of drugs in communities. He said drugs were a problem that affected every South African, including members of the SAPS.
“Some of us are here to share the skill of leadership, not to hog the positions of leadership.”
He received support from the Patriotic Alliance and other parties. Dlamini will be back in court on May 27.
Operation Dudula is expected to head to Pretoria today to confront some companies that have no South African employees.