Bail proceedings continue in court for Durban protestors

March and March Movement leaders and fifteen others accused of causing violence in Durban CBD will appear in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Friday. From left; podcaster, activist and musician Wandile Nsibande, Sphelele Shinga and Malizo Dzanibe.

Nineteen people allegedly involved in the recent public violence during protests in the Durban CBD are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Friday.

Members of the March and March Movement, Wandile “Method” Nsibande, Sphelele Magolide Shinga and Malizo Dzanibe are charged with incitement to commit public violence, public violence and acting in a riotous or physically threatening manner.

They were also charged with contravening the Regulation of Gatherings Act read with the Dangerous Weapons Act, possession of a dangerous weapon, resisting a member of the Police Service, contravening the South African Police Service Act, and hindering or obstructing traffic.

The men were arrested outside the Home Affairs Durban Refugee Reception Centre on Saturday, following a week-long protest against illegal immigration and the recent Constitutional Court ruling on asylum seekers' applications. Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, said the matter is in court for bail investigations in respect of Nsibande.

Fourteen vehicles were torched on Dr Pixley Ka Seme Street, formerly West Street, when protesters clashed with foreign nationals. Two houses, three shops, a motorbike and a second-hand tyre dealership were set alight in the Durban CBD and Umbilo area during the protests on October 8.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said they arrested Shinga for threatening to shut down Moses Mabhida Stadium to prevent the MTN8 Cup Final match between Orlando Pirates FC and Mamelodi Sundowns from taking place on Saturday.

In court on Monday, Shinga and Dzanibe were granted bail of R1 000 each, subject to the following conditions: they may not participate in violent protests; not interfere with or intimidate Department of Home Affairs officials; refrain from intimidating or threatening foreign nationals; and not participate in any forced shutdown of businesses.

The ruins of an old Durban cottage that was set alight during a protest in the Umbilo area of Durban. Protestors suspected the house was being used as a brothel and drug den.

In a separate matter related to the protests, fifteen people will also appear on charges of public violence, malicious injury to property, contravening the Regulation of Gatherings Act read with the Dangerous Weapons Act, possession of a dangerous weapon, and hindering or obstructing traffic. The court is expected to hear their application for bail.