Outraged residents call for arrested mom's release

Two buses and a taxi full of Mzamomhle residents arrived outside the East London court this morning where Phumza Kadeni is expected to make her first appearance.

Kadeni was arrested on Saturday evening after her baby was removed from East London magistrate Michelle Pillay during an arranged visit.

Loud chants and songs from the residents could be heard from inside the court. They protested for Phumza's release outside the court, calling for justice to be served.

Zandile Wolose said: "We want Phumza released today. We don't see what she's done wrong. Having a child cannot be a crime no matter what your living conditions are. Michelle Pillay must make her own babies and not abuse another woman's rights because she's privileged."

Nontombi Siko, another resident from Mzamomhle, said the police served Kadeni an injustice by arresting her over her own baby. "Phumza tried to get police intervention but they failed her, how dare they arrest her now? We don't understand why the police are on Pillay's side and not Phumza's."

Kadeni is yet to appear inside the court.