Protesters picket for animal rights

KNYSNA NEWS - Hoots and shouting could be heard all around the Knysna CBD last week when protesters once again took a firm stance against dog fighting, when three men accused off this crime appeared in the magistrate's court.

The case against Sidina Mbhinqo (41), Jason Smit (19) and Tolani Honono (20) was however yet again postponed to 8 April for trial.

Only a few people were allowed into the courtroom and there had to be sufficient space between them, while police officers wore gloves and masks as precautionary measures against the Covid-19 outbreak.

"We are planning another protest for 8 April which we are hoping is going to be bigger than this one. With all the coronavirus, we are not sure how the situation will be then, but we will adhere to all the requirements. We will wear gloves and masks if the law requires us to do so," said protest coordinator Debbie Olivier from Sedgefield Animal Matters (Sam) outside court on Wednesday 18 March.

"We had drums to help us make the noise but the police asked us to stop playing them. We had to make noise and ask the public to hoot so that we make noise. The hooting and shouting was louder than the drums and we believe our noise was heard in court," Olivier said.

She said their protest was peaceful and they adhered to the law. "We attend this case to show support for the animals and show our anger against dog fighting in Knysna and Sedgefield," added Olivier.

Hoots and shouting could be heard all around the Knysna CBD last week when protesters once again took a firm stance against dog fighting.