Cultural weapon 'gifted by Jacob Zuma' delays trial start for alleged July riot instigator Bonginkosi Khanyile

Firebrand activist says ex-president gave him stick to overcome his legal woes

19 August 2022 - 13:58 By Mfundo Mkhize
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Patriotic Alliance member and former Fees Must Fall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile, who was arrested for incitement of violence during last year's July riots, arrived at his trial with an embroidered stick that caused concern with security personnel at the Durban magistrate's court.
Patriotic Alliance member and former Fees Must Fall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile, who was arrested for incitement of violence during last year's July riots, arrived at his trial with an embroidered stick that caused concern with security personnel at the Durban magistrate's court.
Image: Mfundo Mkhize

The trial of Patriotic Alliance firebrand and former #FeesMustFall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile was delayed on Friday after he entered court with a cultural weapon he said was given to him by former president Jacob Zuma.   

Khanyile, who faces charges of incitement of violence during last year’s July riots, clashed with court security personnel, who prevented him from entering the building with his stick.

He said the stick was given to him by Zuma to help him overcome his legal woes.

Khanyile, who has openly supported Zuma, was scheduled to meet with him in February 2021 when he was under house arrest after he was convicted on eight counts, including public violence and inciting violence in 2016. However, he confirmed the meeting was postponed

His trial was set down from Monday but was adjourned when he said he didn’t have a legal representative. Magistrate Barney Visagie adjourned the matter to Friday. Advocate Lerato Moela is set to represent Khanyile on that date. 

This is a developing story. 

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