Three men arrested during Durban’s recent anti-immigration protests remain in custody after the State opposed their release on bail.
Sphelele “Magolide” Shinga, Wandile Nsimande and Malizo Dzanibe appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 October 2026.
According to the African News Agency (ANA), prosecutors raised concerns about the accused’s criminal records and residential addresses during proceedings.
The case was postponed to Tuesday, 13 October, for further verification.
State Raises Concerns Over Bail
Senior prosecutor Roshiela Benimadho told the court that Nsimande had previously received a 25-year prison sentence for robbery, kidnapping and attempted murder.
According to ANA, he was on parole and had a pending assault case in Eshowe.
Prosecutors were also verifying the criminal records of Shinga and Dzanibe, alongside the residential addresses of all three men.
Magistrate Scelo Zuma postponed proceedings while these checks continued.
Suspects Face Public Violence Charges
Shinga faces a charge of inciting public violence following alleged threats to disrupt the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Nsimande and Dzanibe face charges including public violence, carrying dangerous weapons, contravening road traffic legislation and failing to comply with police instructions.
According to TimesLIVE, police arrested Shinga after he allegedly attempted to organise a demonstration at King Dinuzulu Park.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Police Confirm Widespread Arrests
The court proceedings followed several days of demonstrations that escalated into violence and property damage.
In an official statement issued on 10 October, KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that two houses were burnt in Umbilo, while businesses were damaged and some shops looted.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers had arrested 15 suspects on Friday night, bringing the total at that stage to 19.
NATJOINTS subsequently confirmed that 30 people had been arrested across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
According to government news agency SAnews, 25 arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng.
Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said the alleged offences included public violence, property damage, unlawful gatherings and resisting arrest.
The three accused remain in custody pending further court proceedings.