Injured DA member to keep marching:

THE DA supporter who was attacked and knocked unconscious near Luthuli House on Friday, says he will join those marching to the Union Buildings tomorrow‚ despite the trauma of his first political demonstration.

“It’s been such a rollercoaster. Now I’ve got motivation to get more involved [with politics]‚” the 25year-old‚ who only became a DA member two weeks ago, said.

Kade Guerreiro‚ an antique dealer from Johannesburg‚ was one of thousands of DA supporters who met at the Westgate Transport Hub in Newtown, Johannesburg on Friday to take part in one of the many anti-Zuma marches across the country.

After the march‚ he and a friend walked back to their car which was parked near the Johannesburg High Court. While they were walking down Albertina Sisulu Road‚ near Luthuli House‚ they were attacked by a group of ANC supporters.

“We were told to stay away from Luthuli House‚ and obviously we did. We were two blocks up making our way to the car. A man came behind us‚ screaming ‘run‚ run’, so we started running‚” Guerreiro said.

He ran from a group of people‚ some carrying sticks‚ branches and rocks.

He was unable to escape‚ and was cornered metres away‚ where he was assaulted.

“Something must have hit my head. I hit the floor‚ people starting kicking and punching me‚” Guerreiro said.

He was not able to recall the entire attack‚ as he must have drifted in and out of consciousness during the attack.

“I believed that I was going to die‚” he said. Luckily‚ the police were able to intervene and stop the attack.

“If it wasn’t for the police I don’t believe I’d be privileged enough to be here today‚” Guerreiro said.

He sustained a cut to his head which required four staples‚ a concussion‚ and multiple scrapes and bruises.

He has no medical aid and estimates he has spent at least R10 000 on medical bills as he had to replace his spectacles.

Guerreiro spoke outside the Johannesburg Central police station where he had gone to open a case of assault. He did not harbour any bad feelings toward his attackers.

“I actually pity them. I’m saying that because they attacked another South African.

“I am even more involved now. As a young South African it concerns me that this is the path that South Africa is on.”