DURBAN - The case against an ANC ward councillor was adjourned to next Thursday in the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court, where the council member faced two counts of attempted murder.
On Thursday, after a long wait for proceedings to begin, defence attorney Abdul Karrim told the court that his client had tested positive for Covid-19.
“Amid the process of preparing my client for the court appearance, he tested positive for Covid-19. Therefore, I would move for a postponement for the safety of the court and the rest of the public in attendance,” said Karrim.
Prosecutor Shika Siverpersad agreed to the postponement and indicated the State intended to oppose the bail.
The magistrate remanded the accused in custody until his formal bail hearing.
His family were present in court, and as the court was set to begin, a member of the family was heard praying for his release and refused to speak to the media after the adjournment.
His co-accused, including his nephew and a friend, are reported to have appeared in a different court due to safety concerns.
According to police spokesperson Thembeka Mbele, an eThekwini District Task Team intelligence-led operation was conducted on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of the men.
“The men were arrested in three different locations, and together face seven counts of attempted murder, three counts of murder and three counts of malicious damage to property. One suspect is still on the run,” said Mbele.
The chairperson of the ANC’s Moses Mabhida region, which Mkhambathini falls under, Mzimkhulu Thebolla, said it would be unfortunate if the councillor was found guilty.
“We are holding on to the principle of innocence until proven guilty. However, it would be very unfortunate if it is found that the councillor did what he is accused of.
“We expect ANC officials at all material times to be the ones at the forefront of protecting victims of crime against those who are violating them. As such, we are treating this as just an allegation,” said Thebolla.
He said as much as the region has not convened to discuss the matter, the party’s national and regional conference resolutions still apply.
“We have sat down as leaders in the region to gauge the intensity and seriousness of the issue. But, as with the national conference resolutions of the ANC command, we are forced to consider the step-aside rule, as it applies to any member or leader who is found to be on the wrong side of the law until they clear their name.
“This is a resolution that goes hand-in-hand with our region’s forging unity even in branches where there is historical conflict,” said Thebolla.
The accused is also charged with two counts of housebreaking with an intent to commit an offence unknown to the state.
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