Four individuals between the ages of 44 and 58 have appeared before the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng, where they have been charged with incitement to commit public violence in relation to the 2021 July Unrest.
Bhekuyise Cebekhulu, Jimmy Sibeko, Busisiwe Skhosana and Bogadi Mahisa allegedly participated in a WhatsApp group called “Zuma Real Activist 100%”. According to the Hawks, the four were active supporters of former president Jacob Zuma.
“They’d post inciting messages which it is believed to have led to the public violence as well as the looting of retail stores in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal at the time,” said Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, on Tuesday.
CONNECTING THE DOTS
The alleged incitement of violence by the four suspects took place in July 2021, but their first court appearance took place in June 2025. The Hawks said the delay was due to the fact that they wanted to ensure that all processes were followed.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime, Crimes Against the State (CATS) in Gauteng conducted thorough investigations. Upon completion of the investigations, the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided to prosecute those who posted messages that led to the unrest,” said Mogale.
She said the four suspects appeared before court because the police had authorised warrants for their arrests. The individuals handed themselves over and were each assisted by their legal representatives.
HAWKS INVESTIGATION YEILDS RESULTS
Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, also expressed his excitement following the arrests. He commended the investigating team for managing to secure the dots.
“DPCI shall continue to secure in court, the attendance of anyone against whom sufficient evidence of committing national priority offence is obtained, without fear, favour or prejudice”, said Kadwa.
The four suspects were granted R1500 bail each and will be back in court on 2 July 2025.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON 2021 JULY UNREST AND DO YOU STILL SEE THE DAMAGE IN YOUR AREA?
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