Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) national youth chairperson Mkhululi Jele spent the weekend in custody after being denied bail when he appeared at the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court facing a charge of disorderly conduct at a public place on Friday last week.
Jele (34) appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware seeking bail pending trial and was remanded in custody to February 24 this year.
The activist, who pleaded not guilty to the charge was being represented by Thato Mavula of Dube Legal Practice.
In dismissing the bail application, Nembaware indicated that since it took the police time to arrest him, it showed that Jele would evade or abscond court if released on bail.
The court was told that on February 3 this year, Jele, who was in the company of an unknown male adult arrived at Phakamani High School after they had heard that some learners were being interviewed by headmaster Nkululeko Vundla and the police in connection with an audio message of pupils protesting against a Heritage Studies lesson.
Jele allegedly intercepted Vundla, who was in the company of learners on their way to his office and queried the purpose of the
interviews in the absence of parents.
It is alleged that while in the corridor near the staff room, Jele shouted at the top of his voice while moving towards Vundla’s office, demanding an explanation as to why he had allowed the children to be interviewed by policemen.
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Jele allegedly banged on Vundla's office door and barged in demanding that the headmaster should speak to someone on his phone.
Vundla reportedly advised Jele and the other MRP member to direct their grievances to the district education office.
Policemen called for backup and Jele allegedly disappeared.
A police report was made, leading to his arrest.
