Djo BaNkuna aka the ‘Cabbage Bandit’ was growing food in his front yard for the last three years with an aim to feed starving people in his unfortunate community.
However, the cops came knocking on BaNkuna’s door, threatening him with jail time if he didn’t remove his free crops from his front yard.
Mr. BaNkuna took to Facebook once more to reveal his thoughts and just a general update on what has been going on:
“The might of the law has been unleashed upon me and my cabbage patch”, he said. Around midday on Tuesday, September 14, five TMPD police vehicles (two vans and three other cars) convoyed toBaNkuna’s home with about 16 officers in total.
“I was served two documents: (1) with a Criminal Procedures Act Notice to Appear at the Wonderboom Municipal Court on 23/11/2021 on the charges of “intentionally interfere in any manner to the property of the Municipality” by planting cabbage outside at the corner (that was the exact quote) and (2) I am Issued the maximum fine of R1500 to be paid within 30 days and a permanent criminal record for planting cabbage and onions. No by-law cited,” says Djo.
Our ‘Cabbage Bandit’ has chosen the option of going to defend himself in court.
“Whatever happens there, a Section 27(1)(b) Constitutional Constitutional Court application is also a reality”, says BaNkuna.
“We must change the outlook and attitude towards food security and hunger. The road is long, but enlightenment is at the horizon. We must not give up, no matter what we face. Thank you for the support, prayers and offer of assistance,” he adds.
“Remember: You buy a vegetable and you feed a family, you cultivate a garden you feed a community. I am not afraid,” he concluded.
Picture: Facebook / Njo BaNkuna