Al Jama-ah Raises Concerns About Thulsie Twins Six-Year Detention Without Trial

Al Jama-ah says it is concerned with the prolonged detention of the Thulsie twins without trial, six year after they were arrested. 

The concerns were raised following Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola’s written reply to MP Ganief Hendricks parliamentary question. 

Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie were arrested during raids in Azaadville and Newclare in Johannesburg in July 2016 after being accused of planning attacks on Jewish and American interests in South Africa. 

Authorities said they had intercepted data believed to link the pair to a military group.

The trial has been delayed several times for a number of reasons, including their legal teams being changed.

Hendricks said there is a perception is being created that South Africa practices detention without trial.

 “I am not happy with the Minister’s long written response to my submission. Our legal team is investigating whether the National Director of Prosecutions or one of her prosecutors gave him information to add to his written response which is misleading parliament. The word is out that the CIA is running the case supported by an unknown lobby which the Minister has denied.” 

Hendrick said Al Jama-ah is also concerned that there is agenda to promote a narrative that local Muslims are involved in terrorism activities. 

“For the past 10 years such narrative has led to nothing, but this lobby bases their “facts” on events in Mozambique to promote a narrative of terrorism.” 

The Thulsie Twins are expected back in court on 17 January 2022.