Cathcart leader’s court appearance moved 120km away out of fear of protests

The Eastern Cape department of health says no decision has been taken to close the Cathcart hospital or to downgrade it.

Spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase said the department has only just started internal discussions on how best to “rationalise” the service.

This comes after rumours that the province planned to downgrade the facility sparked nearly a week of protests in February that saw trucks torched and vehicles stoned on the N6 highway.

Protesters also demanded the return of home affairs and SASSA offices in the town.

Cathcart residents are still up in arms following the arrest of protest leader Mziwebongo Burwana at a community meeting a week ago.

They are also angry that his court appearance will not be in the Cathcart magistrates’ court.

Burwana’s first brief appearance was in the Mdantsane regional court on Tuesday, where the charges were read.

His bail hearing is set for March 25. Some community leaders travelled the 120km from Cathcart to show support.

Burwana faces charges of public violence, robbery, attempted murder, possession of ammunition and possession of an unlicensed firearm, according to police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa.

This is after a police officer was attacked while chasing protesters who were stoning cars on the N6.

Mawisa said the officer is still receiving medical attention.

His firearm was recovered in Cathcart.

Burwana was subsequently arrested.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said Burwana’s case was transferred to Mdantsane due to concerns over safety since Cathcart had on numerous occasions been shut down by protests.

Community leader Buyisile Booi said Burwana was first transferred from Cathcart magistrates’ court to Stutterheim, 50km away.

But when supporters arrived, they were told the case had been transferred to Mdantsane.

Booi said many people do not believe Burwana is guilty.

“The protest was started by residents, not one person,” said Booi.

He confirmed that an officer was beaten by protesters and rescued by police.

Booi said the protest had turned violent after health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth visited the Cathcart hospital but refused to speak to residents about the rumours that it would close.