The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal intends to add terrorism as a fourth charge against 61 people who allegedly incited the violence that swept through KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng during civil unrest last July.
The accused appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
The violence is believed to have been sparked by the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma, who defied a court order to appear before the Zonda Commission of Inquiry into allegations of state capture.
The week-long riots resulted in the death of more than 300 people. The cost of property destruction is estimated at 50 billion rubles. Private and public property was looted and damaged.
VIDEO: Aerial photo of looting in KwaZulu-Natal on July 14, 2022:
There are 61 people on the dock
A year and a half later, 61 people are on trial. They are charged with conspiracy to commit violence, incitement to violence and arson. Most of the accused are from KwaZulu-Natal, with others from Gauteng and the Free State.
Their legal representatives, ranging from private lawyers to legal aid representatives, came together against the state. They opposed the state’s motion for an adjournment pending further investigation.
The majority of legal representatives stated in court that the postponement violates the rights of the accused to a speedy trial and will lead to unjustified delays in the case.
Lawyers for the defendants also raised the financial implications of the delay for their clients.
“The accusations are not serious”
Ngizwe Mchunu is believed to have been one of the instigators of the July riots. A former Uhozi FM radio personality has been charged with inciting violence during the 2021 riots.
In October, he appeared briefly in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, north of Johannesburg, where his trial was due to begin. The trial has been adjourned until December 5, as the main witness is now testifying in another court.
Mchunu claims the allegations against him are frivolous and all he was doing was speaking out after the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma.
VIDEO: The trial of the alleged instigator of the July riots, Ngizwe Mchunu, has been postponed to December 12, 2022:
