'Ngizwe Mchunu being used as a scapegoat for riots'

There are claims of Ngizwe Mchunu being used as a scapegoat in an effort to hold someone responsible for the recent widespread riots that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Mchunu, the former SABC Ukhozi FM DJ and Jacob Zuma loyalist, appeared in the Randburg magistrate’s court on Wednesday where he was charged with incitement to cause public violence.

The matter was postponed to July 28 when he is expected to apply for bail. The state said it intended to oppose his bail as Mchunu was regarded as a flight risk after he allegedly flew out of Gauteng in a private jet after he heard he was being sought by the police for making utterances that were seen to have incited public violence.

FeesMustFall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile told the media gathered outside the court that Mchunu was being persecuted by the government and was being treated unfairly.

“This is a schedule 1 offence, under normal circumstances he was supposed to appear and be granted bail. We are dumbfounded by what happened in court and we are not happy about it,” said Khanyile.

National Prosecuting Authority national spokesperson Mthumzi Mhaga said the state was collecting information that will help the state in opposing bail.

“Mr Mchunu made utterances at a media briefing in Bryanston. When he heard that he was wanted, Mr Mchunu left Johannesburg in a private jet. The utterances he made induced a sense of outrage and we know what happened,” said Mhaga.

He said investigations were at an advanced stage.

Mhaga said that of the 12 people identified as instigators of the riots, six have been arrested while four of those have appeared in court.

Khanyile refuted these claims and said that, if anything, Mchunu had urged the public to refrain from committing riotous acts.

“He has never invited anyone to commit a crime. He called out and said people must stop what they are doing. He condemned those engaged in violence. This is a political prosecution and he is being used as a scapegoat,” said Khanyile

During Mchunu's appearance, heavily armed police officers were present while dozens of his family and supporters were also in attendance, having travelled from his home province in KwaZulu-Natal.

Walking down from the dock after proceedings were adjourned, Mchunu raised his fist in the air in a sign of “Amandla”.

His wife, Florida Mthimkhulu, was emotional as she left the court after the matter’s adjournment.