Three men appear in court over alleged assault of Durban protester

Three men have appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on attempted murder and public violence charges following an alleged assault during violent protests in the Durban CBD last week.

Kebede Belachew, 38, Getachew Tirikaso, 48, and Wodaje Girma, 29, were arrested after a protester was allegedly beaten with sticks, stones and a bushknife, leaving both his legs broken.

The three accused appeared in court on Monday and were remanded in police custody at Durban Central SAPS while authorities verify their addresses, continue investigations and confirm their immigration status with the Department of Home Affairs.

They are expected to return to court on October 19.

State alleges victim was attacked with weapons

According to the police, the state alleges that the three men acted with a common purpose in the attempted murder.

The victim was allegedly kicked and punched, as well as assaulted with sticks, stones and a bushknife. Prosecutors allege that the accused intended to kill him.

The charges relate to violence that broke out during protests in Durban on Thursday. The allegations have not yet been tested in court.

What sparked the Durban CBD violence?

The protests in Durban and Orlando East in Soweto were linked to a Constitutional Court judgment concerning asylum seeker applications.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a group marching against gender-based violence in the Durban CBD reportedly proceeded along Dr Pixley kaSeme Street before joining the March and March Movement outside the Home Affairs Durban Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road.

Netshiunda said information available to police suggested that one of the protesters was allegedly assaulted while the group was walking.

“It is not yet clear what sparked the alleged assault. The group became angry and violence erupted, resulting in the burning of at least 14 vehicles,” he said.

The situation escalated as tensions spread through the area, prompting police to respond.

Police arrest three suspects

Police arrested the three men following the outbreak of violence. They were subsequently charged at Durban Central SAPS before appearing in court.

Their continued detention will allow investigators to carry out further inquiries, including address verification and checks relating to their status with Home Affairs.

The case is expected to return to the Durban Magistrate’s Court on October 19, when the investigation and the accused’s custody status may be addressed further.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: IOL