Zainul Dawood|Published
Three Ethiopian nationals accused of attempted murder and public violence during violent protests in Durban are applying for bail.
Kebede Belachew, 38, Getachew Tirikaso, 48, and Wodaje Girma, 29, were charged at Durban Central SAPS with attempted murder and public violence arising from an incident on October 8.
The state alleges the men acted in common purpose in an attempted murder. They allegedly beat the victim with sticks, stones and a bushknife, and also allegedly kicked and punched him, resulting in both his legs being broken.
The state alleges they intended to to kill him.
Bail hearing
Luvo Mtolo represented the accused. Belachew said he has lived in the Durban Central area for 11 years and regards Durban as his home. He has four children and a wife who are dependent on him.
He has been married to a South African citizen for five years and regards himself as a shopkeeper, father, and community leader among the Ethiopians.
On the day of his arrest, he went to help a colleague who was shot in the foot. While doing so, he was beaten and assaulted by a group of people carrying sticks.
He said a white VW Golf arrived with police.
He claimed they assaulted him and pointed their guns at him. While this was happening, he witnessed his car being set alight. He said video footage taken at the scene would justify his actions and prove that he was not involved in any protests.
Shop looted
He said he still suffers from an injury to his head from being assaulted. He denied attempting to kill anyone and said he was a victim. He said he will not interfere with the complainant or abscond from appearing before the court if released on bail. He said during his time in custody he suffered huge financial losses, including the loss of his vehicle.
Three of his children are in school. He said he has two shops - one in Newlands and the other in Durban CBD - which bring in R20,000 per month. This money is used to pay for his rent, school fees, and to maintain his family.
He said his store in Newlands was looted in June 2026, causing him considerable losses. His residential address has been verified and his Visa expires in May 2028. He said he left South Africa twice and returned legitimately. Each time, he presented himself to Border Management Authorities and was in the country lawfully. He also told the court that he had no previous convictions or pending cases, and did not take part in any violent protests.
Protest background
The cause of the protests in Durban and Orlando East in Soweto was the Constitutional Court judgment on asylum seeker applications.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a group marching against Gender-Based Violence in the CBD reportedly walked down Dr Pixley kaSeme Street to join the March and March Movement outside the Home Affairs Durban Refugee Reception Centre offices on Che Guevara Road.
Netshiunda alleged that as the protestors were walking, one was assaulted.
“It is not yet clear what sparked the alleged assault. The group became angry and violence erupted, resulting in the burning of at least 14 vehicles,” Netshiunda said.
Police responded to the escalating violence and arrested the three men.