Three foreign nationals, reportedly from Ethiopia, facing attempted murder charges over an alleged attack that left a Durban man with both legs broken will remain in custody until Friday (October 23), when they are expected to return to court for a formal bail application.

The accused, Kebede Belachew Basore, Gechew Perakaso Tirkaso and Wodaje Girma, appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday (October 19) for bail consideration, reports the Berea Mail.

They are accused of assaulting Mzolisi Notshweleka in the Durban CBD on October 8.

According to the allegations before the court, Notshweleka was struck repeatedly with sticks, stones and a bush knife, pushed and kicked, leaving him with fractures to both legs.

Violence erupts after GBV march

SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police received reports of escalating violence in the CBD following a march against gender-based violence.

After the march, participants reportedly walked along Dr Pixley kaSeme Street to join a separate march organised by March and March at the Home Affairs offices.

Netshiunda said information received by police indicated that one of the participants had allegedly been assaulted by a foreign national, resulting in a broken leg. The circumstances surrounding the initial incident were unclear, but tensions escalated and violence broke out.

“Police responded to the escalating violence and arrested three foreign nationals for the assault,” Netshiunda said.

At least 14 vehicles were reportedly set alight during the unrest. A lodge and a warehouse were also partially damaged by fire, which was extinguished shortly afterwards.

Magistrate remands accused in custody

Magistrate Simiso Ndlovu ordered that the accused remain in custody at Durban Central Police Station until their next court appearance  when the formal bail application is expected to proceed.

The three men have not been convicted and remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.