Wandile Nsibande, a man serving parole for a 25-year sentence, has been denied bail by the Durban Magistrate's Court. He appeared on a charge of public violence alongside co-accused Sphelele Magolide Shinga and Malizo Dzanibe. The three men are allegedly affiliated with the March and March Movement and were arrested after protesters shut down the Home Affairs refugee centre in Durban. The protest prevented foreign nationals from neighbouring African countries from entering the facility.
Nsibande's 25-year sentence was for robbery, kidnapping, and attempted murder, which he received in 2009 from the Durban Regional Court. He was convicted for his role in the hijacking and attempted murder of 26-year-old Kavisha Seevnarain. The incident occurred more than 15 years ago, and Nsibande has since been released on parole. His co-accused in the public violence case, Shinga and Dzanibe, were each released on R1,000 bail.
According to senior prosecutor Roshiela Benimadho, Nsibande's parole status was a significant factor in the bail application. The prosecution argued that Nsibande's history of violent crime and his current parole status made him a flight risk. The court ultimately denied Nsibande bail, while granting it to his co-accused.
The incident that led to Nsibande's 25-year sentence occurred in Pinetown, where Seevnarain was ambushed by four armed men. They smashed the window of her Mercedes-Benz, forced their way into the vehicle, and drove her around Durban before robbing and throwing her from a bridge. Seevnarain suffered multiple fractures to her pelvis, broken ribs, and punctured lungs before being found by a passer-by.
In addition to his 25-year sentence, Nsibande also has a pending assault case in Eshowe. The March and March Movement, with which the accused are allegedly affiliated, has been linked to violent protests against illegal immigration and a recent Constitutional Court ruling on asylum seekers.
The three accused are expected to return to court as the public violence case continues. The case has raised concerns about the involvement of individuals with a history of violent crime in protests and public gatherings. The court will need to consider these factors as the case progresses.
The denial of bail to Nsibande reflects concerns about his potential to commit further crimes while on bail. The court will need to balance the rights of the accused with the need to protect the public and ensure that justice is served. The case will continue in the coming weeks.
Key points
- Wandile Nsibande was denied bail due to his parole status and history of violent crime.
- Nsibande is serving parole for a 25-year sentence for robbery, kidnapping, and attempted murder.
- The public violence case against Nsibande and his co-accused is ongoing.
