State says its completed probe into 5 people accused of instigating July 2021 unrest in Gauteng
Earlier on Wednesday, five people appeared at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court, facing multiple counts of conspiracy to commit public violence.
Five accused July unrest instigators appeared before the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on 2 July 2025. Picture: Thabiso Goba/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The State said it had completed its investigations into the five people accused of instigating the July 2021 unrest in Gauteng.
Earlier on Wednesday, five people appeared at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court, facing multiple counts of conspiracy to commit public violence.
It's alleged they were part of a WhatsApp group that disseminated inflammatory messages that contributed to the violence.
Following the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma in 2021, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng were plunged into unrest.
Three hundred and fifty people died, and billions of rands in infrastructure were damaged.
Four years later, only one person has been convicted for the unrest, while many are currently undergoing court processes.
One of the accused, Bogadi Maphisa, said that she was innocent.
"I know that I do not have a case, I know that I am not guilty of anything, so they can go as far as they want to go. My conscience is clear, I did not incite anybody to go and do anything."
The matter returns to court on 29 July for disclosure of the final charge sheet.
Joel Mabaso (far right) is the new addition to the case.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 2, 2025
Like his co-accused, Mabaso was granted R1500 bail, with the state not opposing his release. pic.twitter.com/B00yo18SbD