GrandWest Casino prohibits activist from leaving the premises

On Thursday, April 16, 2015, things went a little differently than planned at the GrandWest Casino, owned by Sun International. The evening was scheduled for fans to come watch the South African and Israeli hockey game. However, there was a delay of 45 minutes when security removed Braam Hanekom and other Palestinian protestors from the rink on the casino grounds. The reason for the removal of the protesters was cited by management as a threat to the players.

The platform https://bettinglion.africa/ published information about the events that took place on April 16, where GrandWest management claimed that protesters were throwing marbles on the ice, endangering players. The problem escalated over the weekend, and both sides made their arguments. Sun International spokesman Michael Farr claims there is video footage of Hanekom throwing balloons on the ice during a break in the game.

Hanekom claims that he was attacked by managers and that he did not throw the marbles. He also claims that some of his protesters were racially profiled at the entrance despite having purchased tickets.

Farr responded this way, "GrandWest has security and surveillance cameras. Footage from both inside and outside the Ice Station has been reviewed. There was no attack."

The letter from a spectator at the game supports the casino team's claim that Hanekom threw marbles on the ice.
Farr also claims that all ticket holders had to go through security and were subjected to searches for the safety of all in attendance. Farr and Sun International do not intend to prevent the activists from exercising their rights; however, their casino is privately owned and they are responsible for the safety of all visitors, including the hockey teams. At the end of his statement, Farr said that they would not allow protests on their property, which is their right.

He does not prevent Hanekom and other activists from exercising their right to protest if they do so outside of GrandWest's private property.