Durban — About 26 alleged July unrest instigators appeared in court on Monday on charges of conspiracy and incitement to commit public violence and arson, according to KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
This as former #FeesMustFall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile appeared in the Durban Regional Court on Monday for his trial, which was set to begin until August 26.
Khanyile appeared on the same contravention of the Disaster Management Act charges relating to the looting and violence across KZN in July last year .
The activist, now a Patriotic Alliance politician, had appeared in court in February for a pre-trial conference of his criminal matter after he was released on R5 000 bail in September.
The NPA had previously stated that during Khanyile’s last court appearance, the defence and the State had assured the court of their readiness to proceed to trial.
However, the matter was postponed on Monday after Khanyile's lawyer requested more time to brief counsel and advised that the documents had been received late on Saturday.
Ramkisson-Kara said that the State was prepared, adding that the prosecutor had mentioned that witnesses from other provinces had been brought in for the trial to proceed.
“The prosecutor did advise the court that the State had made several attempts from July to secure the attention of the defence to provide them with information, share various documents and further to meet to ensure that whatever admissions needed to be made could be.
“However, the magistrate did mention that the matter needs to proceed and the defence should be prepared,” said Kara.
Speaking to the media outside court, Khanyile said he had no intention of running away from the trial. He said he had no fear because he was innocent.
“I never took a refrigerator, burnt a mall, stole anything or instructed anyone to go and steal. And that is why I have no fear. Why would I run from this case? A person that would run from a case is a guilty person. But I am on record, those who still have the videos replay them. I said even if they were to illegally sentence me to 30 years I would take it with honour.
“What I have analysed inside court today, is that the judges that are presiding want to run this trial with feeling, instead of the law. How do you accept a ruling that says it is your last time to postpone on the basis of a lack of legal representation? While it is the first time I am changing representation, I am already told it is the last time,” said Khanyile.
Meanwhile, four more alleged instigators appeared in court on Monday morning as the Hawks and other entities continued with investigations.
The suspects, including police officer Menzi Mack Blose, 43, Matthews Stanley Ntjonto, 51, Mthokozisi Israel Gwala, 37, and Sibusiso Fortune Ngubane, 29, have allegedly been linked to the incitement of violence and arson.
The matter was postponed to August 30 for further investigation.
“Bail was set for R3 000 with the same bail conditions that should they wish to leave or relocate outside KwaZulu-Natal they should advise their counsel. They should not post or share any information regarding the case,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
Daily News