Ngizwe Mchunu Acquitted of Charges Related to 2021 Unrest
Former Ukhozi FM DJ Ngizwe Mchunu has been officially cleared of all charges associated with the July 2021 unrest.
This significant development took place at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Friday, November 3, 2023.
Freedom for Ngizwe Mchunu
Ngizwe Mchunu, who was accused of playing a prominent role in the recent riots that engulfed South Africa, has regained his freedom.
His legal exoneration marks the conclusion of a tumultuous legal journey that began after he was arrested for alleged involvement in inciting violence and anarchy in KwaZulu-Natal.
The charges stemmed from a statement he made, demanding the release of former President Jacob Zuma, which he delivered in KwaMai-Mai, Johannesburg.
Mchunu’s Defense and Support
Throughout his trial, Ngizwe Mchunu consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he was not responsible for the widespread violence and looting that followed Zuma’s arrest.
Instead, he claimed his actions were aimed at protecting the former president.
In a show of support, Jacob Zuma and his long-time friend Carl Niehaus were present in court during Mchunu’s trial.
Not Guilty Verdict
In delivering the verdict, the magistrate stated that Mchunu’s version of events was possibly true, and the State failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Consequently, Ngizwe Mchunu was found not guilty and acquitted of all three counts against him, including incitement to public violence and contravention of the disaster management act.
Ngizwe Mchunu’s acquittal is a significant legal outcome and represents the conclusion of a case that garnered considerable attention in the wake of the 2021 unrest in South Africa.
The court’s decision to acquit Mchunu underscores the importance of the burden of proof in legal proceedings and the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”
This verdict carries implications for the broader context of individuals facing charges related to the civil unrest and the complexities of distinguishing between advocacy, incitement, and responsibility in such cases.