Arrested Again: Bonginkosi Khanyile Faces Charges for Inciting Violence During 2021 Riots

In a significant development tied to the July 2021 unrest, former MK party Youth League (MKYL) national coordinator Bonginkosi Khanyile was detained after he failed to appear at his scheduled trial date at the Durban Magistrate's Court. Accused of inciting public violence during the disturbances in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, Khanyile now faces the onus of defending his freedom as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) tightens legal proceedings against him.

Khanyile's disappearance on the day of his trial led to an abrupt withdrawal of his attorney, compelling the court to issue an arrest warrant. His bail has been provisionally cancelled, with a complete forfeiture potentially declared by mid-March unless he can convincingly argue against it. Addressing the media from behind bars, Khanyile expressed his dissatisfaction with the judicial system, claiming that the delay in his trial proceedings was part of a broader systemic failure. He highlighted his gratitude towards the MK party leader, Jacob Zuma, and other comrades for their ongoing support.

This arrest is not Khanyile’s first brush with the law. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) previously apprehended him in August of the last year for statements made in violation of the Riotous Assemblies Act. These remarks suggested aggressive actions, including boycotting elections and inciting public disorder if certain political conditions were not met—echoing his previous activities which had a significant impact during the 2021 riots.

Khanyile’s role in the riots has been a subject of intense scrutiny. He was accused of leveraging his position within the MKYL to rally support and instigate violence, an accusation supported by his public pronouncements aimed at stirring unrest if political demands were unmet. Following these events, he was relieved of his duties within the party and fined by the electoral court.

As Khanyile prepares for his next court appearance, the case raises critical questions about political accountability and the measures necessary to prevent incitement to violence. It highlights the continuing tensions in South African politics, where the repercussions of divisive actions continue to resonate through the judiciary and public opinion.