Former Ukhozi FM host Ngizwe Mchunu has been acquitted of all charges related to July 2021 unrest.
The Randburg Magistrates Court cleared Mchunu of all charges of inciting public violence and violating the Disaster Management Act earlier today . The State accused Mchunu of being one of the main agitators in the riots that followed the arrest and imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma in July 2021.
He had publicly demanded that the State release Zuma within three days or “all hell will break loose”. Mchunu had pleaded not guilty to all the charges, claiming that he was simply protecting Zuma and did not condone any violence. Mchunu handed himself over to the police in Durban in July 2021 after the police issued a warrant of arrest against him. The radio host paid R50 000 bail in August 2021, with strict conditions.
The magistrate who presided over the case said that Mchunu’s version was possibly true and that the State had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. He said that there was no direct link between Mchunu’s utterances and the violence that ensued and that there were other factors that led to the unrest.
The magistrate also said Mchunu had cooperated with the authorities and had shown remorse. He, therefore, awarded Mchunu the benefit of the doubt and acquitted him of all the charges.
Zuma supported Mchunu by attending the court proceedings with his loyalist Carl Niehaus.
Mchunu celebrated his victory with his fans and supporters, who chanted “Azikhale” (Let them cry) outside the court. He thanked Zuma for his presence and said that he was ready to face any other charges that might arise. He also said that he would continue to fight for Zuma’s freedom and justice.
The July 2021 unrest was one of the worst episodes of violence and looting in South Africa’s history, resulting in more than 350 deaths and billions of rands in damages. It broke out following Zuma’s incarceration for contempt of court after he defied a Constitutional Court order to appear before the state capture inquiry.
“Today the courts are not captured anymore.RET and EFF criminals will celebrate. Tomorrow when they lose a case, they will scream courts are captured.”
Lungisani:
“The president said there was ethnic mobilization… we are yet to find one.”
Sthembiso:
“Halala Azikhale ngempela manje ,Bheki Cele must be fuming since he can’t arrest really criminals.”
Kerotse:
“😂😂😂😂 The state and their weak cases”
Source iHarare.com
