What happened after Judah Square bust

Three weeks later, and no answers have been forthcoming from authorities on the Judah Square raid, despite numerous queries.

On 13 March what many called a disproportionate contingent of police resources – more than 20 vehicles and 60 officers according to residents – raided the Rastafarian sanctuary in Knysna, confiscated almost 2 000 cannabis plants and arrested one suspect.

Rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades formed part of the bust, which police later said were used to disperse a group of people who posed a threat. A public violence investigation was also launched.

These were the questions, verbatim:

Have any further arrests been made?

What happened to the resident who was arrested on the day – has he appeared in court as yet?

Have any further cases been opened by either the police or the Judah Square community?

What happened to the confiscated plants? We have received a lot of queries regarding this.

I am sure you might have seen the reaction from the Greater Knysna community on social media? Would SAPS like to comment on this at all?

Also, what happened to the memorandum handed to police on Human Rights Day?

Photos: Stefan Goosen The community of Judah Square from the outside.

Judah Square community leader Brother Maxi with some of the rubber bullets and spent grenades used by police as they left with their confiscated bounty.