Man serving parole denied bail in Durban public-violence case

One of the men arrested in connection with violent protests against illegal immigration and a recent Constitutional Court ruling on asylum seekers is out on parole after serving a 25-year sentence for the kidnapping and attempted murder of a woman who was thrown off a bridge in Umkomaas more than 15 years ago.

Wandile Nsibande was denied bail by the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday afternoon after appearing on a charge of public violence.

His co-accused, Sphelele Magolide Shinga and Malizo Dzanibe, were each released on R1,000 bail.

The three men are allegedly affiliated with the March and March Movement and were arrested after protesters shut down the Home Affairs refugee centre, preventing foreign nationals from neighbouring African countries from entering the facility.

During Monday’s proceedings, senior prosecutor Roshiela Benimadho told the court that Nsibande was out on parole.

He was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment by the Durban Regional Court in 2009 for robbery, kidnapping and attempted murder. He also has a pending assault case in Eshowe.

Nsibande was convicted for his role in the hijacking and attempted murder of 26-year-old Kavisha Seevnarain.

Seevnarain, who lived in Pinetown, was on her way to visit a friend in Shallcross when she was attacked.

She was stopped at an intersection in the area when four armed men allegedly ambushed her, smashed the window of her Mercedes-Benz and forced their way into the vehicle.

Nsibande and Sibusiso Dlamini were among the hijackers who drove Seevnarain around Durban before she was robbed and thrown from the uMkhomazi River bridge on the South Coast in the early hours of the morning.

She was found by a passer-by and had suffered multiple fractures to her pelvis, broken ribs and punctured lungs.

Nsibande was sentenced in 2009 and has since been released on parole.

The three accused are expected to return to court as the public violence case continues.

nomonde.zondi@iol.co.za