Operation Dudula leader Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini's bail application will be heard on Monday, meaning he will remain in custody over the weekend.

He was arrested on Thursday afternoon by police acting on a case opened by Soweto resident Victor Ramerafe, whose home was allegedly ransacked by Operation Dudula members on Sunday. The group claimed to be acting on tip-offs from the community that drugs were allegedly being sold from Ramerafe’s home.

Dlamini, who faces charges of malicious damage to property, theft and burglary, was not seen at the Roodepoort magistrate's court on Friday when his case was called.

His advocate, Ike Khumalo, said they were ready to proceed but the state had requested 48 hours to gather more evidence.

“We were expecting to proceed with a bail application but the investigating officer said that will not be so because they are going to take their 48 hours grace period — they still want to investigate further and check the statements of witnesses, probably do an ID parade and maybe add charges,” he said.

Khumalo said Dlamini appealed for calm among his supporters.

“He said they must not act in a way that is untoward.”

TimesLIVE