17 charged, remanded for causing public unrest

Seventeen men were remanded to prison today on charges of causing public unrest at Cemetery Road, Durban Backlands, West Ruimveldt, and Sussex Street, Georgetown, on Monday.

The defendants appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and were charged under the Terrorism Act.

Those charged for the offence at Cemetery Road are: 22-year-old Devon Lewis; 39-year-old Kerwin Baksh, a vendor; 19-year-old Alex Atkinson, who is said to be unemployed; 26-year-old Randy Benjamin, a taxi driver; 21-year-old Aden Cuffy, a construction worker; 25-year-old Jason Hardy; 25-year-old Jamal Singh, an engineer; 23-year-old Faizal Kennedy, a delivery driver; and 21-year-old Tyrese Assanah, a porter.

They were additionally charged with breaking and entering, and larceny, stemming from allegations of breaking into a Chinese supermarket and stealing items valued at approximately six million dollars.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Sherwin Nelson, 53-year-old Eljim, and 20-year-old Osafo Harvey were charged in connection with causing public unrest at Sussex Street.

Also charged in relation to the offence at Durban Backlands were 34-year-old Kevin James, 19-year-old Antonio Lawrence, and 27-year-old Vincent Trim.

Furthermore, 25-year-old Jamal Small and 18-year-old Emanuel James were charged in connection with the offence at Hunter Street, West Ruimveldt.

They were not required to plead to the charges.

Police reported that over 100 persons have been charged countrywide in connection with public unrest following protest action demanding justice for 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

The matters have been adjourned until 28 May 2025.