Nomonde Zondi|Published
March and March movement member and parolee Wandile Nsibande told the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday that he would not interfere with police investigations if granted bail, as he denied resisting arrest earlier this month.
Nsibande, 36, who was convicted of robbery and kidnapping in connection with the case of Kavisha Seevnarain, who was thrown off a bridge at uMkhomazi more than 15 years ago, conceded that he was on parole.
However, he told the court that the assault case against him in Eshowe had since been withdrawn.
Nsibande denied the charges against him, including inciting public violence and resisting arrest. He said he would not evade trial, interfere with State witnesses or obstruct police investigations.
In an affidavit read out by his lawyer, Xolani Zuma, Nsibande said he did not have a passport and had a 13-month-old son whom he supported. He provided an alternative address in Pinetown and told the court: “I have no fear for my wellbeing or safety should I be granted bail.”
Nsibande said he was unmarried and worked as a musician, earning about R5,000 a month. He asked the court to grant him bail of R1,000.
Zuma, who is also the husband of March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, played audio recordings and videos which he said showed that the movement was not involved in the violent protests that erupted in Durban’s central business district on October 10.
He also played an audio recording of police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda explaining what had transpired during the protests.
According to Zuma, the recording made it clear that March and March members had been camping at the refugee centre on Moore Road, rather than in the CBD where the violent protests took place.
Senior prosecutor Roshiela Benimadho told the court that the State opposed bail, arguing that Nsibande would endanger public safety and undermine the proper functioning of the justice system.
She further argued that he was likely to evade trial and commit further offences.
Benimadho said there was no personal vendetta against Nsibande. She maintained that he had resisted arrest and played a video recording in court which she said showed him challenging police officers to shoot him. According to the prosecutor, Nsibande was aggressive and carrying a stick.
“The accused was placed on parole on April 15, 2022, and he is still under supervision until 2034,” Benimadho said.
The bail proceedings continue.
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