Protest against police
brutality toward blind busker
Posted: 10 July 2013 -
Amelia Earnest
Photo story
A diverse crowd of over 200 protesters gathered in
Greenmarket Square this afternoon to demonstrate on behalf of Mr Lunga Goodman
Nono.
Mr Nono, who is blind, has been busking for a living
for almost 20 years. After reported complaints from surrounding businesses,
Cape Town Metro Policemen removed Mr Nono from his usual post on Monday, and
were recorded dragging and beating the busker. Mr Nono’s guitar was broken in
the process. The video of the
incident, posted on Youtube, has accumulated more than 50,000 views.
Members of the music community and disability
advocate groups like the League of Friends for the Blind were strongly
represented. Many demonstrators held signs with messages like “Guitarist not
terrorist” and “No Badges for Bullies.”
Mr. Nono spoke briefly and later performed.
Attorneys representing Mr Nono in his case against the police attempted to
interrupt interview proceedings to remind Goodman not to reveal too much about
the case, but were unable to access him because of the dense crowd and media
presence.
Appearing overwhelmed by emotion and the crowd, Mr
Nono had to pause his speech several times to dab a handkerchief to his eyes.
While the musically inclined protesters sang
anti-establishment favorites like “I Shot the Sheriff” and “One Love,” inciting
widespread chanting from the crowd, Mr Nono sat to the side in his usual spot, softly
strumming his shiny new guitar.
Mayor Patricia De Lille has issued a statement
expressing "sincere regret". She described the removal of Mr Nono as
an isolated incident and has promised to review the City's busking regulations.
