Out on bail, Ngizwe Mchunu chants freedom slogans after his release
STORY: Sihle Mkhize
PHOTO: Twitter
“I am over the moon, justice has been done,” chanted Ngizwe Mchunu after walking out of the Randburg Magistrates Court. This was after his release on bail.
The former radio presenter and #FreeZuma lead campaigner was released on R2 000 bail after spending just over a week in the holding cells.
He is facing charges emanating from his alleged involvement in inciting public violence and mass looting that hit parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng earlier this month.
Magistrate Gayle Pretorius said she was not satisfied with the state prosecutors’ reasons for wanting to keep Mchunu in custody. They had argued that he was a flight risk.
“It’s not in the interest of justice to keep the suspect in custody,” Pretorius said. Mchunu was in forefront in the #FreeZuma campaign. He became famous for his “Azikhale” call for people to come out in their numbers in support of the incarcerated former president, Jacob Zuma.
I was arrested by the law breakers
Later, Mchunu was identified as one of the top instigators of violent protests that turned ugly into a looting spree. Mchunu’s representative Advocate Mdladla said the court needed more evidence and the state failed to present before the court.
“On count one (incitement to commit public violence) the court needed more evidence, but in the absence of that, the state has failed to convince the court to refuse him bail,” Mdladla said.
On the matter of being a flight risk Mchunu, argued that he has strong ties to this country and would never live anywhere else.
“I have strong ties to this country, I will not abandon my country, wives and children. I submitted all documents, the state is already in possession of my travel documents,” Mchunu said.
Outside the court Mchunu told the media that it is important to obey the law starting from the leaders.
“It is important to obey the law starting from the leaders and we can live in peace and harmony. I want to thank everyone who supported me and South Africa at large in fighting for justice. I was arrested by the law breakers,” Mchunu said.
Jacob Zuma’s daughter Duduzile posted Mchunu picture in court holding up his fist and captioned “Amandla”
A group of Mchunu’s supporters who call themselves Amabhinca were overwhelmed after receiving good news. They started chanting and celebrating release of their “hero”. The matter was postponed to October 21 to allow for further investigations.
