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FILE | People loot an area near a burning warehouse after violence erupted following the jailing of former South African President Jacob Zuma, in Durban, South Africa, July 14, 2021.
Legal representatives of alleged instigator of the unrest in July 2021 Bonginkosi Khanyile insist that he had nothing to do with the violence.
The Durban court heard that Khanyile encouraged some people to go on the rampage until former president Jacob Zuma was released from prison.
Zuma had been arrested for contempt of court after failing to appear before the State Capture Commission.
The State has based its evidence on videos in which Khanyile is seen addressing people.
Video | Khanyile’s lawyers argue political speech:
The videos went viral on social media.
Meanwhile, residents reflected on the unrest which started in KwaZulu-Natal and spread to Gauteng.
One resident said it was a scary as they did not know what was going to happen citing that some people in the community had to put up security.
Locals added that the 2021 July unrest turned into a widespread looting, destruction creating fear and impacting the economy, emphasising that many small businesses never re-opened and thousands of people lost their source of income.
Video | Khanyile, ‘July Unrest’ alleged instigator trial continues:
