State opposes bail of KZN man charged with attempted murder of girlfriend and her mother

The following story contains graphic details.

DURBAN - The State in the case of a KwaZulu-Natal man charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend and her mother is opposing bail, citing safety concerns.

Zenzele Xaba is accused of attacking the two women and allegedly gouging the eyes of his ex-lover with a screwdriver.  

The bail bid is being heard in the Richmond Magistrates Court.  

Hundreds are protesting outside the court, demanding justice for the victims.  

Xaba is facing a schedule five offence for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend with a screwdriver in both her eyes. 

Despite the prosecution opposing his release on bail due to the safety of the victims' complaints in this case as well as his own safety, Xaba is forging ahead with his bail bid.

He appears in a packed courtroom with one of the victims - the mother also present - sitting next to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is in court to support the family.  

The accused has told the court that he has five children and would go to an alternative address if granted bail.

The investigating officer - warrant officer Simon Mtshali - says this is no solution as the accused knows where the complaint resides. 

The police ministry has called on the justice system to be strict when handling Xaba’s case.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was in court. 

“Anyone who calls himself a man of whatever age who attacks a woman for whatever reason, in whatever way whether bare hands, or fists or foot  doesn’t belong to be called a man, belongs in jail and not our community.” 

The accused has been denied bail and will return to the dock on 2 June.