SEVENTEEN men accused of public violence were granted R500 bail each by the Umlazi Magistrate's Court yesterday, police said.
"All 17 were granted bail of R500 and the case was postponed to April 2 for further investigation," said Colonel Jay Naicker.
They were arrested after violence broke out between National Freedom Party (NFP) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters at Umlazi's T-Section at the weekend.
Two people died in the violence - Nicholas Ngcobo was shot dead and Margaret Mthethwa had a heart attack when she saw her neighbour's house torched.
It was reported that scores of cars and houses were damaged during clashes.
Naicker said the men faced charges of public violence, malicious damage to property, theft and arson.
"As investigations are continuing, more charges could be added," he said.
More arrests were also expected to be made.
Political leaders, including NFP leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the DA's Sizwe Mchunu and ANC provincial chairman Zweli Mkhize condemned the violence.
Buthelezi and kaMagwaza-Msibi visited the area.
The Mercury newspaper reported yesterday that the violence started a fortnight ago after NFP supporter Thandeka Cele was assaulted by a man for wearing trousers.
When the man was arrested, his friends organised a march in protest, which sparked violence between IFP and NFP supporters.
The T-section is known as an IFP stronghold.
eThekwini municipality mayor James Nxumalo visited T-Section yesterday.
Nxumalo said the municipality would approach the department of housing to see if houses could be organised for those people who had lost their homes. - Sapa
Umlazi violence accused get bail
SEVENTEEN men accused of public violence were granted R500 bail each by the Umlazi Magistrate's Court yesterday, police said.
"All 17 were granted bail of R500 and the case was postponed to April 2 for further investigation," said Colonel Jay Naicker.
They were arrested after violence broke out between National Freedom Party (NFP) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters at Umlazi's T-Section at the weekend.
Two people died in the violence - Nicholas Ngcobo was shot dead and Margaret Mthethwa had a heart attack when she saw her neighbour's house torched.
It was reported that scores of cars and houses were damaged during clashes.
Naicker said the men faced charges of public violence, malicious damage to property, theft and arson.
"As investigations are continuing, more charges could be added," he said.
More arrests were also expected to be made.
Political leaders, including NFP leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the DA's Sizwe Mchunu and ANC provincial chairman Zweli Mkhize condemned the violence.
Buthelezi and kaMagwaza-Msibi visited the area.
The Mercury newspaper reported yesterday that the violence started a fortnight ago after NFP supporter Thandeka Cele was assaulted by a man for wearing trousers.
When the man was arrested, his friends organised a march in protest, which sparked violence between IFP and NFP supporters.
The T-section is known as an IFP stronghold.
eThekwini municipality mayor James Nxumalo visited T-Section yesterday.
Nxumalo said the municipality would approach the department of housing to see if houses could be organised for those people who had lost their homes. - Sapa
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos