'Masterminds behind July 2021 unrest must face the music'

Former student activist Bonginkosi Khanyile testified that the July 2021 unrest was well-planned and said those behind the anarchy should be held to account.

Khanyile returned to the Durban High Court on Monday, where he is charged with incitement to commit public violence and contravening the Disaster Management Act.

The charges are linked to the sporadic looting and damage to infrastructure that occurred in 2021.

The accused allegedly flouted COVID-19 regulations and addressed crowds rallying support for former President Jacob Zuma, who was jailed for contempt of court at the time.

Khanyile told the court the riots were clearly planned by others.

"I still hold a firm believe that there were people who were behind the coordinated effort who must still face the music in this country," said Khanyile.

He testified that he would not have made public calls for people to break the law.

"If I am committing a crime, I wouldn’t go publicly saying burn the malls, burn now I am instructing, I can’t do that."