[imagesource: Esa Alexander]

Today is South Africa’s 320th day under lockdown, and still, we are learning new things about the virus that has swept the globe.

Despite all that we know, there are still those who don’t think that masks should be worn, and Craig Peiser, the head organiser of the We Are More movement (WAM), is one of them.

The anti-masker was arrested during Saturday’s protest at Fish Hoek Beach, after an altercation with eNCA journalist Monique Mortlock, where he allegedly ripped off her mask.

The protest also featured another unhinged appearance from Quantum Brain Academy alumnus Chabad De La Fontaine.

Peiser appeared in the Simons Town Magistrates’ Court yesterday, and things quickly spiralled. Here’s IOL:

The spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed the accused’s appearance.

“The magistrate has kept the accused in custody and referred him to the district surgeon for assessment/observation for possible referral for mental observation due to his conduct in court.

“He rambled on and on, shouted and swore. The matter has been postponed to 10 February 2021.”

Peiser will now be held at Pollsmoor Prison until tomorrow’s appearance.

Before entering the court, he spoke to the media, and offered an apology to Mortlock:

However, once he was inside the court, his demeanour changed, reports EWN:

Peiser was aggressive and uncooperative at his court appearance.

He refused to wear a mask and used abusive language when he spoke to the magistrate and prosecutor, going as far as throwing his mask at the magistrate.

The prosecutor was left in tears…

In an EWN Twitter thread, his behaviour was detailed:

#JournalistAssault pic.twitter.com/b8iBBV2R3Y

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 8, 2021

It’s amazing how healthcare workers can wear masks for hours on end, as they risk their lives battling COVID-19 on the front line, but others get dizzy at the mere thought of wearing one.

Here’s hoping, for Peiser’s sake, that his next court appearance is slightly more mundane.

Wear a mask, people.

[sources:iol&ewn]