The former leader of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party Youth Movement, Bonginkosi Khanyile, is facing fresh legal challenges after he was re-arrested for missing a court appearance.  

Khanyile violated his bail condition by failing to honour his court appearance yesterday (March 3), and was detained. 

He is facing several charges in the Durban Magistrate Court emanating from the July 2021 unrest which was sparked by the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma.

The state alleges that Khanyile incited people in Durban central to continue to loot until Zuma was freed. There is a video recording of Khanyile making the call that landed him in jail.

According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in KwaZulu-Natal, Adv Elaine Harrison, Khanyile was supposed to appear in court yesterday, 3 March 2025 to commence with his trial. 

However, Khanyile did not show up.

“The accused (Khanyile) failed to appear in court. The attorney on record for the accused did not know where the accused was. The attorney was granted leave to withdraw as attorney of record. The matter stood down till 12h00. The matter was called again and there was no appearance from the accused,” Harrison said.

He added that a warrant of arrest was issued forthwith for Khanyile’s arrest. 

“Bail was provisionally cancelled and to be finally forfeited on 17 March 2025. The accused was arrested during the morning of 04 March 2025 and he appeared in court on 04 March 2025.
He is in custody and the bail enquiry is scheduled for tomorrow,” Harrison added. 

Before Khanyile was taken to his holding cell, he had a go at the State, accusing the judicial officers of failing to uphold the constitution and justice. He said his detention is unfair and meant to delay his trial.