The trial of alleged July unrest instigator Ngizwe Mchunu has been postponed. The former Ukhozi FM radio personality has been charged with inciting violence during the unrest in 2021. SABC News senior journalist Chriseld Lewis has this update.
Ngizwe Mchunu, who is accused of inciting violence with his famous “ayikhale” slogan during the July unrest last year, broke down in tears during his appearance at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 12 October, according to Daily Sun.
In July 2021, the Nkandla-born radio personality and sangoma handed himself over and was released a few days later on R2 000 bail.
Ngizwe Mchunu’s arrest came after the riots and looting that took place in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and some parts of Gauteng after former president Jacob Zuma handed himself over at the Estcourt Correctional Centre, KZN, for contempt of court.
NGIZWE MCHUNU DEFENDS HIMSELF IN COURT
The former Ukhozi FM presenter, who was dressed in isiZulu traditional regalia, cried as he explained to Magistrate RG Sadiki how the case has impacted him financially.
“I pay my lawyers a lot of money but I have to travel. from Nkandla, KZN, every time I come here then there is another postponement. In the end, I will be accused of disrespecting the court,” he said, adding that he had to sell his cows to cover expenses.
According to News24, a displeased Mchunu also expressed that he committed no crime in defending Zuma who completed his 15-month sentence last week Friday.
“I was only expressing [myself after] the arrest of a freedom fighter, [former president] Jacob Zuma. I was only practising my freedom of expression.
“I don’t know who caused the [July 2021] disaster. After not finding the culprit, they (the police) targeted me. I am a noble South African citizen who never fought, nor was arrested before,” Ngizwe Mchunu was quoted as saying.
He further told the court to do as it pleases with him.
“I’m respecting the court. If you want to arrest me, arrest me. If you hang me, so be it,” he added.
SUPPORT FOR MCHUNU
Mchunu, who calls himself “The President of the Bhinca Nation”, arrived at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court with his supporters who were also clad in traditional gear.
News24 reports that they sang traditional songs, lit impepho (traditional incense) and sprinkled each other with intelezi (a herb for protection). His supporters left their sticks and shields outside the courtroom when it was time to start proceedings.
Ngizwe Mchunu is scheduled to appear in court again on 5 December this year.
With a trial was due to begin today, it was set down for two days but when arrived at court, we got the understanding that the matter will be postponed because the complainant or the police officer who was due to take a stand in this particular matter is testifying in another high profile case in the high court in Johannesburg indeed that was confirmed once court got underway state or prosecutor use of barber talent court that the complainant that application for a permanent . Bascially saying