WATCH: Ngizwe Mchunu found not guilty of inciting public violence during 2021 July unrest

Alleged July 2021 unrest instigator and former Ukhozi FM radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu has been found not guilty.

Mchunu appeared at Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday where judgment was handed down.

Former President Jacob Zuma also attended the proceedings to support Mchunu.

Magistrate RG Sadiki cleared Mchunu of all charges, declaring him a free man.

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“It is my determination that the accused’s version is reasonably and possibly true, and the state did not discharge it onus of proving the case against the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

“The benefit of the doubt will also be awarded to the accused.”

News of the acquittal drew cheers and screams from the public gallery

Watch Ngizwe Mchunu celebrating after being found not guilty

Ngizwe Mchunu found not guilty.

He tells the court that he'd like to have his bail money and passport back. pic.twitter.com/3DpyHieDPN

— Karisa (@MpumeeMagagula) November 3, 2023

Mchunu faced charges related to the public violence that led to the destruction of properties during the July unrest of 2021, as well as contravening the Covid-19 regulations and Disaster Management Act.

The unrest followed Zuma’s incarceration and Mchunu was charged over the utterances he made at a press briefing at the time, calling for the former president’s release.

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Speaking outside the court, Mchunu seemed to blame the case on a vendetta against the former president.

He labelled Zuma the “father of the nation” and said he was humbled by the statesman’s appearance.

Mchunu was part of thousands of supporters who visited Zuma’s Nkandla residence to try prevent the former president’s arrest in 2021. The outspoken Mchunu claimed Zuma would be arrested over his dead body.