Nineteen of the 20 arrested suspected instigators of last year’s July unrest were granted bail of R3 000 each by the Durban Central Magistrates Court on Friday.
The suspects face charges ranging from conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence, and incitement to commit arson.
All the suspects were arrested on Thursday in various locations in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, North West, Free State, Western Cape, and Northern Cape provinces.
The accused include: Smangaliso Zwane (31) from Ntuzuma, Mbongeni Mzimela (29) from Ntuzuma, Sipho Tchezi Mbele (39) from Parys, Nkanyiso Dlamini (32) From Reservoir Hills, Ncamisile Ndlovu (43) from Umgababa, Gods Surprise Ntuli (48) from Illovo, Sanele Mhlongo (31) no address, Sanel Masuku (29) from Richards Bay, Sandile Cebekhulu (49) no address, Mduduzi Mkhize (42) from Mariannhill, Mbongeni Mkhize, no age, and no address, Qedukazi Dladla (42) no address, Lindokhule Shilenge (32) from Empangeni, Zanele Bhengu (42) from Verulam, Malibongwe Khubeka, no age, from Vryheid, Sthembiso Mthiyane (40) from Inanda, Sisanda Ntsona (43) from Inanda, Sfiso Sokhulu (33) from Inanda, Thobile Mfeka (48) from Inanda, Lwazi memela (39) from Pietermaritzburg and Sibusiso Gwala (46) from Pietermaritzburg.
Only accused number 14 wasn’t among those granted bail, but it later emerged that the suspect was released on warning.
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Magistrate Anand Maharaj adjourned the case to 26 August.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation said more arrests were imminent.
Meanwhile in another development, the Ventersdorp Magistrates Court transferred the case against 51-year-old Matthews Stanley Ntjontjo to the Regional Division of KwaZulu-Natal.
The accused allegedly participated in a WhatsApp group and conspired with others by posting messages that created instability through the looting of shops and businesses, as well as the destruction of properties through violent means during the period of 8-17 July 2021.
Ntjontjo was arrested after intensive investigations by the Hawks, and other law enforcement agencies.
He was charged with conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence and incitement to commit arson.
The accused indicated that he was going to engage a private attorney to represent him.
Henry Mamothame, National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, North West Division, said the accused will remain in police custody until his next court appearance on 17 August 2022.
