News24.com | WATCH | Methodist church refugees celebrate release of their leader, Jean-Pierre Balous
Refugees at the Central Methodist Church in Cape Town celebrated the return of their leader, Jean-Pierre Balous, who was granted R2 000 bail on Friday.
The Congolese leader was arrested on eight charges of assault, including five of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Balous denied the charges laid against him and said he has evidence that he is willing to share with the court, that proves his innocence.
His arrest follows simmering tension among refugees who appeared to have split into two camps since staying at the church for the past two months.
They have been living there since October after they were forcibly removed from a sit-in protest outside the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in the city centre.
Talks are under way to resolve what some have said is an untenable situation at the church regarding hygiene and cramped living conditions.
One Burundian refugee, Sandra Bahibitugu, said that “it is very difficult” living at the church.
READ MORE HERE: Cape Town refugee leader Balous granted bail
