DURBAN – Former Fees Must Fall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile says he remains steadfast in his beliefs that former president Jacob Zuma was unfairly treated and must be released from prison.
Speaking at the Durban Magistrate’s Court ahead of his formal bail application, the 31-year-old said Zuma was arrested and sentenced in a thuggish manner.
Zuma is currently serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court in the Estcourt prison.
Khanyile said Zuma must be freed.
“President Zuma must be free, we will say that even if we are facing a death sentence, even if we are about to be hanged in the gallows we will say that, in any platform we’ll say it, he must be free because he was arrested in a thuggery manner (sic). He was arrested in an undemocratic manner.
“How we are approaching this matter? We are strong like a lion in the jungle, we are very strong. We are not moved by anything because we are innocent, our souls and conscience is clear,” he said.
The defiant Khanyile was arrested on Friday for incitement to commit violence during the unrest that took place last month and now faces five charges after more counts were added to his charge sheet earlier this week.
The other charges include two counts of holding an illegal gathering and a further two counts for not wearing a face mask while in public.
The State is opposing Khanyile’s bail application.
During court proceedings, the State produced video footage evidence in support of its case against Khanyile.
In one of the videos, Khanyile is seen speaking to a crowd and calling for them to support Zuma.
He is heard in the video telling people to continue to block the roads, fight and burn the country until Zuma is released.
The bail application continues
WATCH: This is a video which was delivered by the state as part of the evidence against Bonginkosi Khanyile. In the video, Khanyile is heard telling people to continue to block the roads, fight and burn the country until former President Jacob Zuma is released. @TheMercurySA pic.twitter.com/zaT1owzIBh
— Sakhiseni Nxumalo (@SakhiNxumalo) August 26, 2021
The court has adjourned for 30 minutes to allow the Defence attorney Masibonge Mathomane to familiarise himself with the evidence that has been delivered in court. Khanyile is seen engaging with his family who are in court and also his attorney. @TheMercurySA pic.twitter.com/MLbLCxyZa5
— Sakhiseni Nxumalo (@SakhiNxumalo) August 26, 2021
WATCH: Fees Must Fall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile enters the Durban magistrate court this morning. Khanyile is accused of instigating violence during last month's unrest in KZN and Gauteng . @TheMercurySA pic.twitter.com/PP0FFaqDYa
— Sakhiseni Nxumalo (@SakhiNxumalo) August 26, 2021
THE MERCURY