Anti-Privatisation Forum activist Matthews Ndlovu was convicted on December 5 of "malicious damage to property", and sentenced to a fine of 25,000 Rand (AU$6000) or two years' imprisonment. Ndlovu is a leader of the Phiri community resistance to installation of pre-paid water metres, who has been singled out. The sentence is heavy given that the damage was to two pipes, and it is Ndlovu's first offence. The APF will appeal the verdict, but is also fundraising to pay if necessary. For details on how to help, visit: <http://www.apf.org.za>.
From Green Left Weekly, December 15, 2004.
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