Khanyile unhappy with December trial date
Former Fees Must Fall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile has
explained why he attempted to interrupt court proceedings in the July unrest
case against him.
The dates of the trial were set down for December this year in the Durban Regional Court on Friday.
As the case wrapped up, Khanyile attempted to speak in court, before he was stopped by the magistrate who cautioned him not to prejudice himself.
Outside court, he told reporters that he was unhappy with the trial dates he was given.
"What I expected was to get a closer date for the trial. This has been running since 2021, so the matter should be finished sometime next year. The trial will only start in December this year. I sign on Monday and from here I must go to the police station to show they I haven’t fled the country.
"On Monday I must also go back, Friday I sign, Monday I sign, so I want to be put on record before this court that what you are doing is actually subjecting me to punishment before I'm punished."
But NPA spokesperson in KZN Natasha Kara says it's not the case.
READ: Trail of July unrest 'instigator' Bonginkosi Khanyile set for December
"When the trial dates were set, they were done in consultation with Mr Khanyile's legal representation, and the legal rep was clear and happy with the dates set.
"When setting down dates we must look at the availability of the prosecution team and his attorney and Mr Khanyile, who I understand is writing exams in November. Taking all these factors into consideration, the December dates were suited, and they were okay and cleared by his attorney."
