Durban — The trial of Bonginkosi Khanyile regarding his alleged criminal involvement in the July unrest of 2021 has been provisionally adjourned.
The matter had returned to the Durban Regional Court on Friday.
Khanyile faces a charge of incitement to commit public violence, as well as charges of contravention of the Disaster Management Act, relating to the acts of looting and violence that took place in KwaZulu-Natal in July 2021.
National Prosecuting Authority KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said that the matter had been set down for trial for the period of August 15-26, 2022, and while the State was ready to proceed with the trial on August 15, the defence asked for a postponement, advising that Khanyile would like to brief counsel on the matter.
Ramkisson-Kara said that on Friday, the State again maintained its readiness to proceed with the trial and had secured witnesses to this effect.
“However, the defence asked for another adjournment, for the newly appointed counsel to take further instructions from Khanyile and to advise on available dates for trial,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
“The matter was provisionally adjourned to September 16 for a plea and further trial dates.”
On Monday, August 15 the trial was postponed to August 19, after Khanyile’s attorney requested a postponement citing a “crucial” document that needed to be discussed with his client.
Khanyile’s trial was scheduled to start on Monday in the Durban Regional Court.
The #FeesMustFall activist was released on R5 000 bail in September last year.
The State alleges that between July 8 and July 11, 2021, at or near Warwick Avenue in Durban, Khanyile unlawfully and intentionally incited, instigated, commanded or procured people unknown to the State to commit public violence.
Khanyile had appeared in court in February for a pre-trial conference.
Daily News