The trial of Bonginkosi Khanyile, accused of inciting public violence during the July 2021 unrest, is set to begin in the Durban Magistrate’s Court following a brief legal dispute over his bail status.
Bonginkosi Khanyile bail reinstated as July 2021 unrest trial starts
Khanyile, who is facing charges including contravening the Disaster Management Act, failed to appear in court on Monday, 3 March 2025, prompting the court to provisionally revoke his bail and issue a warrant of arrest.
He was subsequently taken into custody on Tuesday, 4 March 2025.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, an inquiry into his absence was held on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, where the court decided to reinstate his R5,000 bail.
However, the judge made it clear that the trial would proceed without further delays on Thursday, 6 March 2025.
The State alleges that between 8 and 11 July 2021, Khanyile actively incited and instigated public violence at Warwick Avenue in Durban. Additionally, he is accused of convening an illegal public gathering on 10 July 2021 at Smith Street, where he allegedly addressed a crowd in a speech that encouraged unrest.
Khanyile remains out on bail, and the trial is expected to examine his alleged role in the violent riots, which resulted in more than 350 deaths and widespread destruction of businesses across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
While Khanyile’s trial is now underway, he has also had a turbulent political career, previously serving as the National Coordinator of the MK Party Youth League (MKYL) before being removed from the position in April 2024.
The MK Party confirmed his dismissal in a formal letter, stating that while he would remain a general member, he was no longer in a leadership role.
His tenure in the MK Youth League was marked by controversy, particularly after a viral video in March 2024 showed him making provocative statements about the economic and social climate under former President Jacob Zuma.
His remarks, including claims that “tenders were more done” and “the sex trade was more happening” under Zuma’s presidency, drew sharp criticism, even from within his own party.
Former Eskom CEO Matshela Koko publicly distanced himself from Khanyile, tweeting:
“This young man is doing more harm than good. Can somebody call him to order, please?”
Although his political standing declined after his removal from the MKYL leadership, Khanyile remains a vocal figure in South African politics and a stern supporter of Zuma.
His trial, which is expected to last several weeks, will determine whether he played a key role in the incitement of violence during the 2021 unrest.