'Torch the buildings' - comments land municipality Speaker in court

16 March 2017 - 12:03 By Jeff Wicks
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Michael Khumalo, Speaker of the Abaqulusi Municipality in Zululand, is facing criminal charges.
Michael Khumalo, Speaker of the Abaqulusi Municipality in Zululand, is facing criminal charges.
Image: Facebook

The speaker of the Abaqulusi Municipality in Zululand has found himself facing criminal charges for calling on the community to torch government buildings in his own council.

On Monday‚ Michael Khumalo told angry residents that they should torch the local police station and magistrate’s court if their demands weren’t met. He was arrested on Tuesday and appeared in the Vryheid Magistrate’s court on Wednesday. He was released on R10‚000 bail.

The community was allegedly unhappy over poor police investigations.

Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said Khumalo faces charges of intimidation and incitement to commit public violence for comments he made at a public meeting Gluckstudt on Monday.

“It is alleged that the accused told protesters that if the police do not respond to their demands within fourteen days‚ they must go to the police station and set alight the station‚ including the magistrate’s court‚” she said.

“The matter was adjourned to 3 April 2017 for further investigation.”

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