Anti-rape protesters disrupt Zuma’s IEC address
Four women held placards referencing President Zuma’s rape accuser, known as Khwezi.
CAPE TOWN - Four women staged a silent protest during President Jacob Zuma's address at the Independent Electoral Commission results centre in Tshwane.
Zuma arrived at the centre as the commission was making preparations to deliver the final results of the 2016 local government elections.
The four females seemed to be in an anti-rape silent protest which referenced the rape charge President Zuma faced in 2005 and which was dismissed in 2006.
His rape accuser, who was one of his friend's daughters, was known as Khwezi by the media.
WATCH: Anti-rape protesters removed from IEC briefing
The placards read "I am 1 in 3", "#10 years later", "Khanga", and "Remember Khwezi".
#Elections2016 2/2 demonstrators. MK pic.twitter.com/h0hGRZXY5W
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 6, 2016
One of the demonstrators is Simamkele Dlakavu, who tweeted the following after security removed them from the hall.
We are all okay. Thank you #RememberKhwezi pic.twitter.com/qiOjgh1Jv4
— Simamkele Dlakavu (@simamkeleD) August 6, 2016
ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe says the silent protest was the women's democratic right.
"That's how free South Africa is, you can protest while the president is speaking. Nobody disrupts you. You are allowed to protest."
Mantashe refused to comment on the manner in which security appeared to manhandle the protesters.
