There was jubilation and ululation outside the Randburg Magistrates Court today after Ngizwe Mchunu was acquitted of inciting violence during the July 2021 unrest following the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma. Flanked by Zuma and Carl Niehaus, the former radio presenter celebrated his victory with amabutho and supporters after the verdict was delivered. Ngizwe who was dressed in his animal print Zulu traditional regalia paired with black sunglasses and a black t-shirt chanted "sawina bafana, sawina!" ( We are winning boys outside court)

FINALLY FREE

Zuma,who attended the court proceedings to support his staunch supporter, told journalists outside court that Ngizwe was innocent. "He went to jail for nothing because he was innocent. Today I acknowledge that the law took its course, the magistrate took his time and explained everything in detail, there was no rush and the truth prevailed, therefore we are happy today," said Zuma. Ngizwe said he was happy that justice had prevailed and he was finally a free man. "Today I'm happy to say the law is for all of us and doesn't only serve greedy politicians who always manipulate the system. Those who wanted me to go down have failed. They were using the hatred they have for former President Jacob Zuma to make those close to him suffer," he said to a cheering crowd.

"ZUMA'S LIKE A FATHER TO ME"

Asked about how he feels about Zuma's support, Ngizwe said this meant the world to him. "He is the father of the nation. He is the president of the people. Can you imagine... where in the world have you seen a president coming to support a nobody like me? I fought for justice because I was arrested unlawfully and today I'm here to say the war is only going to start as of today," he said. He thanked everyone who supported him emphasising that he spent close to R1,5 million on this case. Ngizwe was arrested for allegedly instigating the July 2021 unrest. He was also among thousands who camped outside Zuma's home in Nkandla to prevent the police from arresting him.