Attempted murder accused spend another weekend behind bars

THE three Ethiopian nationals who face charges of attempted murder and public violence following their arrest earlier this month will spend another weekend behind bars following the adjournment of their case.

Kebede Belachew Basore, Gechew Perakaso Tirkaso and Wodaje Girma appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court today (October 23) to make their bail applications, following their appearance for bail consideration on Monday.

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The court alleges that on October 8, the accused assaulted Mzolisi Notshweleka by hitting him several times all over his body with sticks, stones, and a bush knife, and pushed and kicked him, resulting in him breaking both his legs.

SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that reports received on the day of the arrests indicated that a group was marching against GBV in the Durban CBD and when they were done marching, they reportedly walked down Dr Pixley kaSeme Street to join a March and March group which was marching at the Home Affairs offices.

He added that information received at that stage suggested that as they were walking one of them was allegedly assaulted by a foreign national and his leg was broken. While the cause of the alleged assault was unclear, the group became angry and violence erupted, resulting in the burning of at least 14 vehicles.

“Police responded to the escalating violence and arrested three foreign nationals for the assault,” alleged Netshiunda. “A lodge building and a warehouse were partially burnt, however the fire was immediately put off.”

Luvo Mtolo, a representative for the three accused, presented his clients’ plea in the form of a written affidavit.

Basore stated that he was not a flight risk as he had previously travelled to Ethiopia and back to South Africa through the legal channels, therefore eliminating his chances of being a flight risk; his South African wife and his four children were dependent on him; he is a shopkeeper with bills and rent to pay; has no prior convictions or warrants of arrest; he is in the country legally as his visa expires in May 2028; and that he was a leader within the Ethiopian Community in Durban. Basore denied the charges against him, adding that video evidence would exonerate him.

Also read: Foreign national beaten to death by group of men in Durban CBD

Tirkaso said that he had been in the country since 2006 and has never left, therefore eliminating him from being a flight risk. He argued that he is a father of three children; had a fiancé; no previous convictions or warrants of arrest; and has not committed any crimes since his arrival to the country. He added that he was assaulted by the members of SAPS during his arrest and has suffered unending agony and is passing blood in his urine. He said that he had an asylum seeker temporary visa that was issued at the Home Affairs Durban Refugee Reception Centre. His visa was extended from January 21, 2026, to January 20, 2027.

Presiding officer Ashin Singh adjourned the matter for Wednesday next week.  All three accused remain in custody.

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