NPA welcomes verdict handed to July unrest instigator

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The National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) says it has welcomed the guilty verdict handed down to July unrest instigator Mdumiseni Zuma.

Zuma, 36, a former security guard pleaded not guilty to charges of contravening the Riotous Assemblies Act. He worked at the mall until relations allegedly soured with his employer, leading to him being axed.

He was found guilty of incitement to commit public violence and arson.

The judgement was handed down by the Pietermaritzburg regional court on Friday.

He faces charges linked to the destruction of the Brookside shopping mall.

This judgment marks the first instance of an individual being sentenced in connection with the 2021 civil unrest incident that took place during the widespread looting in the province.

In a video recording, which he captured inside the mall, he can be seen urging people to cause disruption if the mall opened the next day.

This led to the shopping centre being looted and set alight exactly the following day.

According to TimesLive, the magistrate rejected the claims he had been intoxicated and meant the video as a prank.

The magistrate also found Zuma had been evasive and struggled to answer some questions which had been put to him during the trial.

Gangai told the regional court the accused has a previous conviction for theft which dates back to 2009.

Zuma paid a fine of R500 for the offence.

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He will be sentenced on October 29. Before sentencing the state intends to bring two witnesses who will argue in aggravation.

NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Kara says Zuma will remain behind bars until sentencing in October.

“He incited people to gather and commit public violence. This was done by making a video pertaining to the Brookside mall and distributing the video on the WhatsApp platform. The case was reminded to October 9.”