Three Ethiopian nationals appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder and public violence. Image credit SAPS
Three Ethiopian nationals will remain in custody after the Durban CBD attempted murder case returned to court on Monday. Kebede Belachew, 38, Getachew Tirikaso, 48, and Wodaje Girma, 29, face charges of attempted murder and public violence.
The men appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court for the second time. The court postponed the case to Friday, 23 October, when the defence is expected to bring a formal bail application.
The State alleges that the three men acted together to attack a man in the city centre on Thursday, 8 October. According to the State, they beat him with sticks, stones and a bush knife. They also allegedly kicked and punched him. As a result, the man suffered two broken legs. Prosecutors argue that the men intended to kill him.
How the Durban CBD attempted murder case began
The alleged assault happened during a day of protests in Durban. Earlier that day, residents marched against a recent Constitutional Court ruling on asylum seeker applications. Police say a group marching against gender based violence was on its way to join members of the March and March movement. They had gathered outside the Home Affairs Durban Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road.
Until then, the protests had been largely peaceful. However, the alleged assault happened as the group walked through the city. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said it was not yet clear what sparked the attack.
After the incident, violence quickly spread across the CBD. Crowds torched at least 14 vehicles and looted several shops. Some buildings were also set alight. Police arrested several people in the days that followed.
For readers catching up, the Constitutional Court ruling deals with how asylum seekers can apply for protection in South Africa. Many South Africans believe the ruling opens the door to more undocumented migrants. Government, on the other hand, says much of the public anger rests on misunderstandings about what the court actually decided.
March and March, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, campaigns against undocumented immigration. The group has held several protests in Durban this year. Last week, 19 people linked to the movement also appeared in the same court on charges related to public violence.
When the three men first appeared on 12 October, the court remanded them in custody. This gave police time to verify their addresses and check their status with Home Affairs. Police have not yet said whether the men are in the country legally.
Commentary across social media platforms remains deeply divided. Some users have called for harsh punishment for the accused. Others have urged calm and warned against blaming entire communities for the actions of a few.
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