Ngizwe Mchunu found NOT GUILTY on 2021 July unrest charges

Former Ukhozi FM DJ Ngizwe Mchunu has secured his freedom after he was officially cleared of all charges relating to 2021 July unrest.

Mchunu was officially cleared on Friday, 3 November 2023 at the Randburg Magistrates Court.

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NGIZWE MCHUNU WALKS FREE 

Mchunu was accused of being one of the main agitators in the recent riots which gripped South Africa.

Following former President Jacob Zuma’s incarceration, the former radio DJ gave President Cyril Ramaphosa three days to release Zuma from jail or “all hell will break lose”. He was addressing scores of Zuma supporters in KwaMai-Mai in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

He was then arrested after handing himself over to police at the Durban Central police station on July 2021 following allegations of inciting violence and anarchy in KwaZulu-Natal and his trial began shortly after.

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Throughout his trial, Mchunu has asserted that he was not responsible for the widespread violence and looting that followed Zuma’s arrest. Instead, he maintains he was simply protecting the former president.

On Friday, Zuma alongside his long-time friend Car Niehaus were in court to support Mchunu.

Delivering the judgement, the magistrate said Mchunu’s version is possibly true and that the State was not able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“The benefit of the doubt will be awarded to the accused. Mr Brian Ngizwe Mchunu is found not guilty and has been acquitted of all three counts,” he said.

BREAKING: #Ngizwe Mchunu has been found NOT guilty and is acquitted of all three chargers.
He was facing chargers which included inciting public violence and contravening the disaster management act. He walks a free man. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/TiBLOIJHsY

— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) November 3, 2023

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