Ngizwe Mchunu has been acquitted of charges linked to inciting the ‘Free Jacob Zuma’ riots.
Court finds Ngizwe Mchunu not guilty of inciting ‘Free Jacob Zuma’ riots
The former Ukhozi FM host was declared not guilty on all charges against him.
These charges included inciting public violence and breaching the Disaster Management Act. The verdict marks a significant turnaround for Mchunu, who faced the possibility of imprisonment had the prosecution succeeded in proving their case.
Mchunu was accused of contravening lockdown regulations set at Alert Level 4 and inciting public violence. His social media presence paints him as a champion for Zulu interests, yet his freedom hinged on the outcome of this legal battle.
Central to the state’s case were several videos in which Mchunu vocalised his opposition to former President Jacob Zuma’s arrest.
One video, in particular, showed Mchunu using the phrase “ayikhale!” which the prosecution argued could be construed as a call to violence.
Notably, the circulation of this video on social media coincided with the outbreak of riots and looting in areas such as Soweto and Cleveland.
The defence successfully contested the state’s interpretation of events and Mchunu’s role in them, leading to his acquittal.
Furthermore, Mchunu has made claims implicating Police Minister Bheki Cele in orchestrating the riots, allegations he suggested he could back with evidence under oath.