[FILE] Shutters are closed as disgruntled South African job seekers belonging to the anti-foreigners movement called “Operation Dudula” sing slogans and dance while marching through Alexandra township, on March 7, 2022. – Members of the anti-foreigners movement forced the closure of allegedly foreign owned shops and removed foreign street vendors on pavements and stalls. In recent weeks, scores of protesters in South Africa have been staging demonstrations against undocumented migrants in what they have dubbed “Operation Dudula”, Zulu for “drive back”. (Photo by Michele Spatari / AFP)
Operation Dudula member charged with incitement of violence in Durban
Philani Gumede, 36, was granted R5000 bail. He allegedly created a voice note that encouraged the removal of foreign nationals. Operation Dudula is expected to launch in Durban on Sunday.
[FILE] Shutters are closed as disgruntled South African job seekers belonging to the anti-foreigners movement called “Operation Dudula” sing slogans and dance while marching through Alexandra township, on March 7, 2022. – Members of the anti-foreigners movement forced the closure of allegedly foreign owned shops and removed foreign street vendors on pavements and stalls. In recent weeks, scores of protesters in South Africa have been staging demonstrations against undocumented migrants in what they have dubbed “Operation Dudula”, Zulu for “drive back”. (Photo by Michele Spatari / AFP)
A 36-year-old man appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 6 April on charges related to incitement of public violence and the contravention of the Cyber Crimes Act for allegedly publishing harmful messages.
DURBAN OPERATION DUDULA MEMBER GRANTED BAIL
The State alleges that Philani Gumede created and forwarded a voice message to members of Operation Dudula.
The message reportedly encouraged Operation Dudula members in Durban to gather and “remove Foreign Nationals and their goods and lock up the shops,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
Gumede was released on R5000 bail – as part of his bail conditions he is not allowed to use his social media accounts to encourage violence against migrants; he must report to the investigating officer whenever he wants to leave Durban or the province and he must report to his local police station every Friday between 6:00 and 18:00.
Gumede’s next court appearance is expected on 24 May.
Gumede is believed to be a member of Operation Dudula which gained prominence in Johannesburg after targeting so-called illegal immigrants.
The group is expected to launch its activities in Durban on Sunday, 10 April. Dan Radebe, the group’s deputy chairperson, said members would march to the Home Affairs office to demand that they do their job.
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