Ngizwe remanded in custody, to apply for bail next week
#FreeZuma activists faces schedule 1 offence and magistrate says he can't be released
Ngizwe Mchunu in Randburg Magistrate Court
STORY: Sihle Mkhize
PHOTO: Twitter
Former Ukhozi FM presenter, Ngizwe Mchunu has been remanded in custody until July 28 when his bail hearing will be heard. He was arrested on Monday in Durban after handing himself over to the police.
He had been identified as one of the top instigators of violent protests. The protests later culminated to mass looting and destruction of property in KwaZulu-Natal and some parts of Johannesburg.
He made his first court appearance on Wednesday morning at the Randburg Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody. Presiding magistrate Mokhasibe said his case was unique and while it is a Schedule 1 offence it might be changed.
The magistrate said it would not be in best interest of justice to release him. He is due back in court on July 28 for bail application.
According to the law, a suspect facing schedule 1 offences may not be remanded in custody while awaiting trial. But if there is a possibility that the charge may change, it is the presiding magistrate’s prerogative to release.
Mchunu was in the forefront of the #FreeZuma campaign. He became famous for his ‘Azikhale’ call for people to come out on their masses to partake in the protests. Mchunu called himself the president of the poor and claimed to be representing them and their interests which former president Zuma was being victimised for putting on top of the agenda.
In one of his utterances he had claimed that he was willing to be jailed or die for the cause. On Tuesday his Ngizwe Online used their social media platforms to ask for donations for his legal fees. The call received differing responses on their call.
ALSO READ: Ngizwe’s wife weeps as he is led away in handcuffs
While some sympathised with him, others laughed it off and said he must ask Zuma’s son, Duduzane to help him out. Some said he deserved to pay for his sins because while he was on the streets shouting for Zuma’s release, his close associates including his sons Duduzane and Edward were sitting cosy in their homes.
