‘If you hang me, so be it’: Ngizwe Mchunu breaks down in court

Ngizwe Mchunu, who is accused of inciting violence with his famous “ayikhale” slogan during the July unrest last year, reportedly cried at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday 12 October, Daily Sun reports.

In July 2021, the Nkandla-born media personality handed himself over to the Durban Magistrates Court and was freed a few days later on R2 000 bail.

Ngizwe Mchunu’s arrest came after the riots and looting that took place in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and some parts of Gauteng after former president Jacob Zuma was arrested at the Estcourt Correctional Centre, KZN, for contempt of court.

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NGIZWE MCHUNU DEFENDS HIMSELF IN COURT

The former Ukhozi FM presenter, who was dressed in isiZulu traditional regalia, reportedly shed tears as he explained to Magistrate RG Sadiki how the case has impacted him financially.

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“I pay my lawyers a lot of money but I have to travel. from Nkandla, KZN, every time I come here then there is another postponement. In the end, I will be accused of disrespecting the court,” he said, adding that he had to sell his cows to cover expenses.

According to News24, a displeased Ngizwe Mchunu also expressed that he committed no crime in defending Zuma who, last week, completed his 15-month sentence for contempt of court.

“I was only expressing [myself after] the arrest of a freedom fighter, [former president] Jacob Zuma. I was only practising my freedom of expression.

“I don’t know who caused the [July 2021] disaster. After not finding the culprit, they (the police) targeted me. I am a noble South African citizen who never fought, nor was arrested before,” Ngizwe Mchunu was quoted as saying.

He further told the court to do as it pleases with him.

“I’m respecting the court. If you want to arrest me, arrest me. If you hang me, so be it,” he added.

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LOTS OF SUPPORT FOR MCHUNU

Ngizwe Mchunu, who calls himself “The President of the Bhinca Nation”, arrived at the Randburg Magistrates Court with his supporters who were also clad in traditional gear.

News24 reports that they sang traditional songs, lit impepho (traditional incense) and sprinkled each other with intelezi (a herb for protection). His supporters left their sticks and shields outside the courtroom when it was time to start proceedings.

Ngizwe Mchunu is scheduled to appear in court again on 5 December this year.