Former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu is accused of being one of the many July Unrest instigators. The Unrest happened in July 2021 at various parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng following the arrest of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
Read more: Ngizwe Mchunu Granted Bail
The outspoken radio presenter appeared at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday under allegations that he incited the violence which ensued after Jacob Zuma's arrest.
According to News24, Ngizwe denied being an instigator and said he held the press conference out of concern for his 'father.'
"They are lying. I know nothing about those charges," he was quoted saying in court.
"I have heard and understood the charges explained by my lawyer and plead not guilty to all. I am a radio and television personality. I'm also a poet and cultural activist. In 2020, I established my online radio... On 11 July 2021, I sent invitations to journalists to discuss the then-current affairs. At the time, it was during the arrest of Zuma, " his plea statement continues.
"I held a media briefing at a hotel in Bryanston to show concerns over Zuma's arrest. Zuma is my neighbour [in Nkandla]. In my African culture, I regard him as my father." "I didn't condone any violence. I pleaded with fellow Africans to stop destroying infrastructure. I didn't incite any violence.
"He is my neighbour and I regard him as a father in my African culture.I raised my disappointment over his arrest, but didn't condone any violence.I pleaded with fellow Africans to stop destroying infrastructure. I begged my brothers and sisters, I said to them, 'My brothers and sisters, I'm begging you as we are destroying our country.. I didn't incite any violence, and I traveled to Gauteng for work purposes because I had a permit to work during the lockdown."
When he was arrested last year, he was released on R2000 bail. He had been in custody since his arrest. The case was then postponed to 21 October 2022 for further investigations.
In his press conference, Ngizwe said Zuma is innocent and his statement 'Azikhale' gained momentum.
“I fear what is going to happen in this country if our President is not released from prison within 3 days, starting from today (Sunday). Cyril Ramaphosa, Judge Raymond Zondo, the time for the meetings you are holding is over, release Zuma from prison, or hell will break loose,” he said. “I am very saddened by the fact that an 80-year-old freedom fighter is in prison my fellow Africans.”
His freedom and safety was compromised following his statement as he told Daily Sun that “I don’t feel safe anymore. But I still say we will continue to fight for the right thing to happen. Zuma must be released. I suffered difficulties in Joburg. They wanted to take me. But I’m a Zulu man. I use strong muthi (traditional medicine). They won’t succeed,” he told the publication.
“Why are you asking me these questions now? I’m not going to respond to that. I’m a free man who is enjoying living in a democratic country. I’m allowed to voice my opinions in my country. This is me, Ngizwe Mchunu, who is not afraid of anything or anyone,” he responded.
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