Cape Town – A 36-year-old member of Operation Dudula was reportedly granted bail in Durban on Wednesday after he was arrested for allegedly creating voice notes and forwarding them to incite violence against foreign nationals.
According to Times Live, Philani Gumede appeared briefly in the Durban magistrate’s court where he was released on R5 000 bail.
He appeared on a charge of incitement to commit public violence and contravening Section 14 of the Cyber Crimes Act by publishing harmful data messages.
“Police were informed of a voice message that was being circulated, allegedly provoking the public to mobilise and commit acts of violence against certain people as well as damage their property,” IOL quoted Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker as saying.
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As part of his bail conditions, Gumede will not be allowed to use his social media platforms to invite or encourage any violence against foreign nationals.
The matter was adjourned to May 24 for further investigations.
Gumede’s arrest came amid a warning from police that the organisation was poised to cause disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces, said Times Live.
Operation Dudula is an anti-migrant protest movement in South Africa that has gained momentum in recent months.
Its leader, Nhlanhla Lux Dlamini, was arrested recently and charged with housebreaking and malicious damage to property.
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He was granted bail of R1 500, and is expected back in court on May 27.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently criticised the movement, saying that his party, the African National Congress (ANC) does not support “a vigilante-type of move” against foreign nationals.
“We’ve got a vigilante-like force organisation taking illegal action against people they are targeting and these things often get out of hand, they always mutate into wanton violence against other people.
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