The case against the leader of an organisation calling for justice for victims who were killed in Phoenix north of Durban has been remanded for Friday for him to apply for bail. Jackie Shandu is accused of inciting racial tension and violence through his speech directed at the Indian community.
Security was tight inside and outside the court during Shandu’s court appearance. The case was attended by members of an organisation calling for justice for victims killed in Phoenix as well as some community members from that area. Shandu is alleged to have made racial utterances against the Indian community during a recent march in Durban.
During court proceedings, the state asked for the matter to be adjourned to allow the investigating officer to verify Shandu’s address and to authenticate his real name.
According to the state, it appears that Jackie is not his real name.
“The accused appeared today at the Durban Magistrate’s Court and the charges he is facing are a contravention of the Riotous Assemblies Act as well as that of inciting violence or racial hatred. The matter was postponed to Friday for bail consideration. During court processes the state mentioned to the court that they require time to verify the accused’s name as well as the accused’s address,” says provincial NPA spokesperson Natasha Kara.
Outside court, both groups indicated that they want to smoke a peace pipe and reconcile. Leader of the African Democratic Change, Visvin Reddy, who laid charges against Shandu talked about a planned meeting with the organisation calling for justice of victims killed in Phoenix.
“Shandu, who makes racist comments we condemn in the highest form, but we want to say we are not here because we want a pounder flesh. We are here to seek reconciliation and if Shandu and his organisation and I have held a discussion with his organisation to say let us meet and they are willing to meet, we get an apology and withdrawal we will accept that apology. Currently, there is too much tension between Indian and African people. We are one South Africa. We need to identify what is the root cause of all problems. My appeal is, let us not be fighting against one another, let us seek peace and reconciliation.”
The spokesperson for the organisation, Phezukonke Mthethwa also shared similar sentiments saying they will meet with Reddy’s party.
“Mr Reddy has come to us and offered reconciliation. So as a leader of the organisation in principle I agree, but as we leave here we are going to convene a meeting so that this becomes an official position of the organisation.”
A councillor from the Phoenix area, Roy Moodley also called on both communities to reach out and reconcile.
“In the midst of his eagerness to say things he said what he said, but I am not apologising for him, don’t get me wrong, he made a mistake and he has to pay for it in some way. How do you make him pay by taking the little boy and putting him in jail and taking him out again? That will make him angrier. So I am saying (we need to) consult with whoever is angry so that we can get together and sort out the mess we are in.”
Shandu will be back in court on Friday to apply for bail.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Bheki Cele confirmed that 22 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings in Phoenix:
