Durban - A security guard and a supporter of the Abahlali baseMjondolo shack dwellers’ association were shot during violent protests outside the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Abahlali members Themba Msomi, Thembeka Sondaba and Fikiswa Mgoduka appeared in court on public violence charges.
They had been arrested by police in uMlazi on Friday for allegedly blockading the Griffiths Mxenge (Prince Mangosuthu Highway) in uMlazi with burning tyres and debris.
The three accused are expected to appear in court again on Tuesday for a bail application.
The security guard and the wounded supporter were taken to the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi.
The supporter is under police guard at the hospital.
He was shot in the chest during a scuffle outside the court.
Police spokesman Captain Thulani Zwane said one man was arrested for public violence. A case of attempted murder had also been opened.
The motive of the shooting was unknown, Zwane said.
It was unclear whether the security guard was armed, Zwane said.
Pastor Musa Albert Ngubane, a shack dwellers movement leader, had been inside the court when the shooting occurred. He said he had been told the security guard had shot the supporter, as well as himself in the hand, by accident. But a police source and court official, who did not want to be named, said the supporters had been trying to force their way into the court when the incident occurred.
Ngubane said:
“This situation has become a big problem. We were just here to support our members in court.”
He said he had entered the court with their lawyer, Shabnum Palesa Mohammed, when they were informed that only 10 supporters would be allowed in the gallery.
“I called the 10 in and realised we could fit more. But before they even came in, we heard that a security guard and Nyathi had been shot at the entrance of the court.”
Ngubane said two policemen handcuffed one of their supporters and assaulted him.
“That security guard shot himself by mistake. The same bullet must have struck the supporter who was nearby. None of the Abahlali members were armed,” he said.
Abahlali said five supporters were arrested on Monday morning when protesters blocked roads in peak-hour morning traffic, with rubbish bins, burning tyres and trees.
The protests occurred on Bellair Road and in Clare Estate, Isipingo, Mayville, Shallcross, Siyanda and uMlazi.
Daily News