The Palestine solidarity organisation #Africa4Palestine has welcomed the withdrawal of all charges against the Loftus Five, describing the decision as a significant victory for constitutional rights and freedom of expression in South Africa.
The five activists were arrested in May 2025 after participating in the Red Card Israel campaign at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria during an international football match between South Africa and Malawi. The activists had worn pro-Palestine attire and waved Palestinian flags as part of a global campaign calling for Israel’s exclusion from international sport.
Speaking to VOC News, #Africa4Palestine spokesperson Alie Komape said the organisation believes the arrests and subsequent prosecution should never have happened.
“They should have never been arrested. They should have never been prosecuted. There was a witch hunt against them. It was a well-targeted campaign against them,” Komape said.
He described the withdrawal of the charges as an important affirmation of South Africans’ constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“South Africa is very progressive when it comes to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. This is a massive win and confirms that people have the right to peacefully express their views without fear of being criminalised,” he said.
Komape added that the matter is far from over, confirming that the activists will continue pursuing legal action against the state.
“The Loftus Five are continuing with their case against the state. We believe they have a very strong case and that it could result in a precedent-setting judgment on the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters exercising their democratic rights,” he said.
He also called for accountability, arguing that law enforcement and prosecuting authorities should explain why the matter proceeded in the first place.
“The state must account. We believe these charges should never have reached the courts because the activists did nothing wrong,” Komape said.
Photo: Supplied
