Bonginkosi Khanyile. File Picture: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English
Bonginkosi Khanyile, a prominent figure linked to the July 2021 unrest that gripped KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, was arrested on Tuesday after failing to appear for the commencement of his trial at the Durban Magistrate's Court.
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the matter was on the court roll on Monday for the trial to commence and Khanyile failed to appear in court.
"The attorney on record for the accused did not know where the accused was. The attorney was granted leave to withdraw as attorney of record and the matter stood down till 12pm. The matter was called again and there was no appearance from the accused," she said in a statement.
Ramkisson-Kara said a warrant of arrest was issued and his bail was provisionally cancelled. It will be finally forfeited on March 17, 2025.
"The accused was arrested during the morning of March 4, 2025, and he appeared in court on March 4. He is in custody and the bail enquiry is scheduled for tomorrow," she added.
Earlier, Khanyile posted a cryptic message on the social media platform X which many have interpreted as a farewell. In his post, he expressed that he had no regrets about his involvement in the free Jacob Zuma campaign, saying his arrest was unjust and unconstitutional.
"No intimidation, unjust arrest and imprisonment will ever shake, deter and or move me," he wrote.
The unrest of July 2021 saw widespread violence, looting, and destruction across the two provinces, driven by deep-seated socio-economic issues.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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