Eight more suspects have been arrested in connection with the 2021 July unrest, bringing the total number of the alleged instigators to 34.
On Thursday, 18 August, eight more suspects made a brief appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court. In the latest court appearance were Siyabonga Percival Shandu, Lihle Charmaine Mnguni, Jabulani Radebe, Swelihle Prudence Shembe, Sethembile Precious Sithol, Philisiwe Precious Zungu, Psychology Fika Malope, and Nhlanhla Leonard Ndlovu.
The suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence, and incitement to commit arson.
The charges relate to the looting and public violence that took place in KwaZulu-Natal and some parts of Gauteng, hours after former president Jacob Zuma was taken to jail for being in contempt of court.
Natasha Ramkisoon-Kara confirmed that bail was set at R3000 for the eight suspects with strict condition of movement and engagement on social media.
“They are not to post any information regarding the case on social media, to inform the investigating officer should they wish to leave KZN and inform the investigating officer, should they change their residential address and or their contact number,” Ramkisoon-Kara said.
“This brings the total number of people that have appeared thus far to 34. Bail was set at R3000 each, with conditions the matter was remanded to 26 August 2022, for further investigations.”
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma was not among those who have been arrested.
Source: News24, Daily Maverick, Eyewitness News, Times Live, image from Times Live: Sibonelo Zungu/Reuters