Ethiopians accused of attempted murder remanded in custody
Foreign nationals accused of attempted murder during the Durban CBD protests will return to court on Friday for a bail application.
Foreign nationals who are accused of attacking a local in the Durban CBD early this month will be remanded in custody until Friday (October 23).
Suspects Kebede Belachew Basore, Gechew Perakaso Tirkaso and Wodaje Girma appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court today (October 19) for bail consideration. The three Ethiopian nationals face charges of attempted murder.
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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.
According to SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, reports received on the day of the arrests indicated that a group was marching against Gender-Based Violence 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. A lodge building and a warehouse were partially burnt, however the fire was immediately put off,” alleged Netshiunda.
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Magistrate Simiso Ndlovu said that the accused would be kept at the Durban Central Police Station, and would appear again on Friday for an opposed formal bail application.
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