Angry Hindus are demanding the courts send out a strong message to South Africans that the days of making racist comments and then apologising are over.
Ashwin Trikamjee, head of the SA Hindu Maha Sabha - a body that represents Hindu interests - was at the Durban Magistrate's Court yesterday for the crimen injuria case against Bluff pensioner Dawie Kriel.
Kriel, who offended Hindus by describing them as "idol worshippers" on Facebook last year, was charged after political parties laid complaints with police.
The case was postponed after Kriel fired his legal aid representative and appointed a new attorney shortly before he was expected to plead.
The scruffy pensioner - dressed in a jersey, casual pants and takkies - had a lone supporter who claimed to be a "family member".
The case was adjourned to January 27 to allow the defence to prepare a plea statement.
Kriel's post related to the use of fireworks over the Hindu festival of Diwali last year
Trikamjee said Kriel's post had prompted "a volatile reaction from the Hindu community.
"As far as the sentence is concerned it would be improper of me to indicate what is going to happen.
"But what we are looking for is some kind of sentence that is going to send out a message to the entire South African community that the days of making racist comments and saying sorry are over," said Trikamjee.
ANC and DA supporters filled the public gallery and later held placards outside the courthouse amid a heavy police presence.
ANC provincial spokesman Mdu Ntuli said: "It would be good if Kriel is sentenced to jail."
DA provincial leader Zwakele Mncwango said: "We need some kind of signal that there is no space for racism."
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