‘I am going to lead this country, trust me,’ declares an acquitted Ngizwe Mchunu

Former Ukhozi FM Dj and staunch Zuma supporter, Ngizwe Mchunu, has been acquitted on all charges levelled against him with regards to the 2021 July unrest.

 

The president of Amabhimnca Wesizwe sakwaZulu, flanked by former President Jacob Zuma and Carl Niehaus, appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

 

Mchunu, known for his famous phrase ‘Ziyakhala/Ayikhale’, was charged with incitement to cause public violence and contravening the Disaster Management Act during the riots, which were sparked by Zuma’s incarceration. More than 300 people in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng died in the mayhem.

 

He was arrested in August 2021 after a video of him addressing his supporters over the former president’s incarceration emerged.

 

Mchunu says his acquittal is proof that the law is above everything.

 

He says those who tried to punish everyone who is in support of Zuma have failed today.

 

Mchunu, who has always maintained his innocence, says he was unlawfully detained like the former president.

 

“I’m feeling jubilant, I’m over the moon. Knowing and having studied the rule of law, there is no way that you can’t have freedom of speech and expression.

 

“You can’t be arrested for crying that your father is arrested unlawfully, that is not the right thing to do, you can’t create a fearful nation.” 

 

He thanked Zuma for his unwavering support.

 

 

Mchunu says this case, which has been ongoing for almost two years, has cost him over R1.5 million.

 

The media personality also used his address outside court to express his desire to become the country’s next president.

 

“I am going to lead this country, trust me!” Mchunu exclaimed.

 

 

Spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Phindi Mjonondwane says the court found that the word ‘Ayikhale’ which was at the center of Mchunu’s case has many connotations.

 

 “The court then decided to give the benefit of the doubt to the accused person and has ruled that his version is probable and reasonable.” 

Scenes of jubilation came from the court room as Mchunu sang in celebration, alongside Zuma and Niehaus.

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