Attorney happy to help defend rights of those arrested for free

Having studied through financial aid himself, an East London attorney was more than happy to represent arrested students free of charge.

Born in the rural Lusikisiki village of Mpoza, Bayethe Maswazi dreamt of being a lawyer but his family could not afford to pay his fees.

Yesterday, Maswazi stood boldly and proudly as a seasoned attorney in the East London Magistrate’s Court where 20 students appeared on charges of public violence.

The University of Fort Hare students were arrested on Wednesday following clashes with police and tyres, dustbins and paper were set alight in the protest against a 10% university fees increase.

Maswazi yesterday confirmed his appearance for the group and told the court he was doing it for free.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch after the students were released on warning, Maswazi said he believed the students had a legitimate cause to fight.

“This a matter of public interest. The Black Lawyers’ Association (BLA) has nationally taken a resolution to assist students who may find themselves in trouble with the law as a result of these demonstrations,” he said.

Maswazi is the newly appointed provincial BLA president.

“Personally I support them because they are raising important issues. South Africa should support them and not condemn them,” he said.

Mbulelo Jolwana, BLA’s national deputy president, said the association wanted to assist in keeping the wheels of justice in motion.

“We want to assist the administration of justice,” he said.

“In the same way they cannot afford fees, they cannot afford lawyers. We want them to focus on their cause and not be distracted because their peers have been arrested,” he said. — siyab@dispatch.co.za