Durban Backlands labourer remanded on two robbery under arms charges

A 20-year-old Durban Backlands labourer, who is no stranger to the court system, was on Friday remanded after being slapped with two counts of robbery under arms.
The accused, Antonio Lawrence, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Lawrence was not required to plead, as the charges are indictable.
According to the allegations, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Lot 1 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, Lawrence, while said to be in the company of others and armed with a gun, allegedly robbed Li Xiang of $500,000 cash. On that same date, and again reportedly in the company of others and armed with a gun, he is accused of robbing Mikhail Santana of a Samsung cellphone.
Lawrence’s attorney told the court that his client is a labourer and claimed that he has “no antecedents.” He argued that Lawrence is not a flight risk and would comply with any conditions imposed by the court if bail were granted.
The prosecutor strongly objected to bail, emphasising that a firearm was allegedly used in the commission of both robberies. He said he was concerned with protecting public safety, especially as the country enters the busy holiday season. The prosecutor further highlighted the serious nature of the offences, the value of the items taken, and noted that the accused had been positively identified by both virtual complainants.
Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty refused bail, citing the allegations involving the use of a gun and the seriousness of the offences. She stressed the need for public safety during the upcoming Christmas period and remanded Lawrence to prison until December 5, when the matter will be called again.
Lawrence is not unfamiliar with the court. Earlier this year, in May 2025, he was among several men charged with terrorism and related offences following violent unrest in Georgetown after the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge. The men were initially remanded to prison, but in another court appearance, Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty granted the accused bail, including Lawrence, despite strong objections from the prosecution at the time.
The men had faced a range of allegations, including terrorism, break and enter, theft, and destruction of property. Surveillance footage had played a major role in the arrests, capturing acts of arson, looting, and road blockages in areas such as Albouystown, Cemetery Road, Hunter Street and Tucville.
Lawrence, who was then 19, was one of the individuals granted bail on terrorism charges and was ordered to return to court in early June. It is unclear what occurred on that date.
His latest charges now place him once again before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, this time facing serious robbery under arms allegations that the prosecution argues pose a direct threat to public safety.