By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image Supplied.
Former Ukhozi FM DJ Ngizwe Mchunu’s been acquitted of charges of incitement to commit violence and breaching the Disaster Management Act.
Mchunu appeared at Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday where judgment was handed down.
Magistrate RG Sadiki cleared Mchunu of all charges, declaring him a free man.
“It is my determination that the accused’s version is reasonably and possibly true, and the state did not discharge it onus of proving the case against the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.”
“The benefit of the doubt will also be awarded to the accused.”
Mchunu faced charges related to the public violence that led to the destruction of properties during the July unrest of 2021, as well as contravening the Covid-19 regulations and Disaster Management Act.
The unrest followed Jacob Zuma’s incarceration and Mchunu was charged over the utterances he made at a press briefing at the time, calling for the former president’s release.
Speaking outside the court, Mchunu seemed to blame the case on a vendetta against the former president.
He labelled Zuma the “father of the nation” and said he was humbled by the statesman’s appearance.
Mchunu was part of thousands of supporters who visited Zuma’s Nkandla residence to try prevent the former president’s arrest in 2021.