Five individuals accused of playing a role in the July 2021 unrest appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court, with the latest accused, Joel Mabaso, added to the case.
Five accused instigators linked to Zuma July 2021 unrest appear in court
All five are alleged to have been involved in a WhatsApp group titled “ZUMA REAL ACTIVIST 100%,” which the State claims was used to share messages that encouraged public violence.
The charges against them include conspiracy to incite public violence, which means they are accused of planning or agreeing together to encourage others to commit acts of violence.
These accusations are tied to the widespread riots that took place in July 2021, following the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma. The unrest led to extensive damage and over 350 deaths across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Each accused was granted bail of R1,500. Bail is a legal condition allowing a person charged with a crime to stay out of jail until their court case is finalised, provided they follow certain rules, such as appearing at future court dates.
According to the State prosecutor, investigations into the case have been completed, and the prosecution is ready to move forward. However, the court has postponed the matter to 29 July 2025.
On that date, the charge sheet—an official document listing the charges and supporting details—will be shared with the defence.
One of the accused, Bhekuyise Cebekhulu, was given permission to follow the court proceedings via video link, as he currently resides in KwaZulu-Natal. The court indicated that, due to a packed schedule, the earliest possible date for the trial to begin would likely be in 2026.
This latest courtroom development follows a related and ongoing trial involving Bonginkosi Khanyile, who also faces charges stemming from the July 2021 unrest. His charges include incitement to commit public violence and violating the Disaster Management Act.
Khanyile’s trial began in March 2025 at the Durban Magistrate’s Court. He was briefly taken into custody for failing to appear but later had his R5,000 bail reinstated after an inquiry.
The State alleges he gave a speech on 10 July 2021 at Smith Street in Durban that encouraged unrest. His case will examine whether he contributed to the violence during the riots.
Khanyile, once the National Coordinator of the MK Party Youth League, was removed from his leadership position in April 2024. His political activity and controversial public remarks have kept him in the spotlight, particularly his vocal support for Jacob Zuma.
Both cases remain part of broader efforts by authorities to investigate and prosecute those believed to have instigated the deadly unrest of 2021.
