Ngizwe Mchunu in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has found former Ukhozi FM radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu not guilty of charges of inciting public violence, which stemmed from the July 2021 unrest in parts of the country.
Mchunu, a staunch supporter of former president Jacob Zuma faced charges relating to public violence that led to the destruction of property during the unrest, and of contravening Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
The State alleges that at a meeting he called in Bryanston on 11 July 2021, Mchunu incited people to commit acts of public violence after Zuma’s arrest.
Mchunu maintained his innocence.
He previously told News24 that the State had no case against him and was fabricating the allegations.
He said he was arrested because he was crying for “his father”.
He said:
Jacob Zuma is a father of the nation. He’s a freedom fighter. He was arrested unlawfully and unconstitutionally.
Zuma was present in court.
He added that the case negatively affected his financial situation.
“This case has been financially draining, especially because I’m not a businessperson. I’m just a traditional and cultural person who empowers other people.”
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Mchunu lives in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, and had to travel to Randburg to stand trial.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said: “His version was found to be reasonably possibly true. As the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), we will accept the ruling and study the judgment.”