Advocate Ike Khumalo has been granted bail of R3 000 by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court after being arrested last week at his Mondeor home on six charges of alleged incitement relating to the recent looting and unrest. Khumalo is the fifth person to be arrested in Gauteng on similar charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority earlier told the court that it intended to add a treason charge to those already being faced by the 49-year-old.
His supporters chanted outside court following his release. Khumalo, who has been in police custody since last week, only managed to do a formal bail application today.
The application began with Prosecutor Kobus Ehlers telling the court that the State had no intention to oppose bail.
“The first count is incitement, the second count is incitement to commit arson, the third count is a data message which incites damage to property, fourth count is a data message which incites persons to damage property and the sixth count is a data message which threatens persons with violence.”
Arrests have been made in other parts of Gauteng:
Defence lawyer, Lehlohonolo Mphahlele told the court that Khumalo was the victim of a witch-hunt.
Mphahlele submitted that there was a need for Khumalo to be released on bail.
“If needs be, the state can impose a suitable bail condition in this regard. My further encase ration is that my practice will continue to suffer.”
The case will now be back at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court where Khumalo is expected to appear on the 6th of September.
The NPA has indicated that it may add more charges.
