ANC youth leader framed
By Norm Dixon
Rapu Molekane, secretary general of the African National Congress Youth League, has been arrested for alleged possession of arms. The ANCYL says Molekane has been framed by police and demanded his immediate release.
Molekane's home in Soweto was raided by 13 police in the early hours of the morning, claiming they had received a tip-off that weapons were stored in the house. They forced the Molekane family to wait in the street.
Patience Molekane described to the South African weekly New Nation what then took place: "After a while, we were ordered back into the house to witness the search ... They started opening the ceiling, took everything out of the wardrobes, climbed on top of the beds with shoes on, opened freezers, the pots and so on."
The police then took Rapu Molekane away. Only later was his family told that the police claimed they had found a submachine-pistol and a grenade under the bath.
Messages demanding the immediate release of, and the dropping of charges against, Rapu Molekane should be sent to: David Tothill, South African Ambassador to Australia, South African Embassy, State Circle, Yarralumla. They can also be faxed to (06) 273 3543.