The Loftus Four, a group including a 17-year-old, were released on bail Wednesday. They were arrested during a #RedCardIsrael protest at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. At least one of them now alleges harsh treatment and denial of basic rights while in custody. Their case has been postponed to June 18, 2025, for further investigation.
A group of supporters gathered at the Pretoria Magistrates Court to show support. Each activist was granted bail of R1000. The postponement allows police more time to investigate the initial charges. These charges include public violence.
SMread: Matriculant Among Four Arrested at Loftus Versfeld During #RedCardIsrael Protest
Allegations of mistreatment emerge
Speaking to Salaamedia, matriculant Imtiaz Daniels, one of the Loftus Four, described an emotional ordeal. “It’s just been very emotional for me,” he stated. “As a young boy, seeing my father and brother with me in the cell… it has a very hard impact on me.” He expressed relief to be supporting them.
Daniels detailed serious concerns about their detention conditions. “My dad was injured and he was denied healthcare,” he revealed. “We kept asking. My father was in pain, they never acknowledged us.”
He further claimed basic necessities were withheld. “We even requested to go to the bathroom and that was also denied,” Daniels added. “It was very harsh the way we were handled.” He labelled the experience “a severe case of police brutality.”
Daniels hopes for accountability. “I really hope they suffer the consequences of their actions,” he said. He wants “the world knows what they did.” The Loftus Four were initially protesting FIFA’s refusal to ban Israel from the organisation as part of the #RedCardIsrael campaign. The legal proceedings will continue next month.
EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS:
17-year-old Imtiaz Daniel, the youngest of the #Loftus5, reflects on his time at Soshanguve Juvenile Detention Center. ‘I was sad and wanted to see my family… it was just so hard on me,’ he says. But despite the hardship, Imtiaz has no regrets: ‘I’m… pic.twitter.com/HO0I0fNzq1
— Salaamedia (@salaamedia) May 14, 2025
Image: Selaelo Makhwidiri /Salaamedia
