Cape Town – The leader of the vigilante group Operation Dudula, Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini is set to spend the weekend behind bars after his case was reportedly postponed to Monday.
Dlamini had been expected to appear in court on Friday on charges of assault and theft.
According to Sowetan Live, his advocate, Ike Khumalo, said they were ready to proceed but the state had requested 48 hours to gather more evidence.
“We were expecting to proceed with a bail application but the investigating officer said that will not be so because they are going to take their 48 hours grace period — they still want to investigate further and check the statements of witnesses, probably do an ID parade and maybe add charges,” the report quoted Khumalo as saying.
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A New24 report said Khumalo believed that Dlamini’s arrest was politically motivated.
“Taking him to Johannesburg Central police station is part of intimidating Lux. These are political proceedings. On Thursday, the investigating officer said that he was ready to proceed with the matter on Friday.
“It seems as if the decision (not to bring Lux to court) came from above. Probably, they want to add more charges against Lux, and we will take it from there,” the report quoted Khumalo as saying.
Dlamini was arrested on Thursday evening shortly after leaving the Kaya FM studios where he had been interviewed.
His arrest came after a case was opened against him and members of the movement by a Soweto resident Victor Ramerafe, 59, whose home was allegedly ransacked on Sunday.
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The members demanded that Ramerafe bring out drugs on the premises, IOL reported.
Dlamini a black activist in his 30s, is known in his community for parading around in a luxury sports car.
He is also known for his public appearances, almost always wearing military fatigues and a bulletproof vest.
His arrest drew criticism from members of his movement, who used social networks and social media to threaten to intensify their activities.
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Additional information by AFP
