WATCH | March and March leader defends ‘unrest’ instigators in court

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInMlungisi Mhlophe-GumedeEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandAlleged unrest instigators Wandile Nsibande, Siphelele ‘Magolide’ Shinga and Malizo Dzanibe appeared in the Durban magistrate’s court on charges of inciting public violence. Picture: Mlungisi Mhlophe-Gumede Story audio is generated using AI

The state lost the first round in a court battle with alleged civil unrest instigators in the Durban magistrate’s court on Monday, when the magistrate ruled that proceedings could be broadcast live.

Siphelele “Magolide” Shinga, who was arrested on Saturday for allegedly attempting to disrupt the MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, appeared alongside Wandile Nsibande and Malizo Dzanibe on charges of inciting public violence.

Police arrested Shinga after threats that he and his followers would “shut down” the final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The trio are allegedly key mobilisers linked to the violence, looting and torching of buildings and cars in Durban last week.

In court, senior public prosecutor Roshiela Benimadho opposed broadcasting live their appearance, claiming the lives of public officers would be endangered.

Wandile Nsibanda, Siphelele “Magolide” Shinga and Malizo Dzanibe appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court on charges of inciting public violence. Bail for Nsibanda has been adjourned while the hearing for Shinga and Dzanibe will continue on Monday. Visuals: @Gu55820Gumede pic.twitter.com/qlQsIZDOZl

Lawyer Xolani Zuma, who is representing the trio, says the state is hiding behind “some perceived fear”. Zuma and his wife Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who was in court, co-founded March and March. He said the application is unfounded and the media should be granted their application to film proceedings, as this is a matter of public interest.

Magistrate Sicelo Zuma ruled the matter could be broadcast. When proceedings resumed after a short adjournment to allow the media to set up, Benimadho opposed bail, citing outstanding verification of the addresses for the accused. She said Nsibande is out on parole, while Shinga and Dzanibe have ongoing cases against them.

The magistrate adjourned Nsibande’s bail hearing and the matter was stood down for a short break.

Fifteen suspects — mainly students — who were arrested on Friday night after violent protests that engulfed the Durban CBD and surrounding suburbs are also expected to appear in court on charges of public violence and malicious damage to property.

Security was tight inside and outside court, where followers of the leaders had gathered and were being monitored by riot and public order police.

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