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TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Zuma pops up in court to support Khanyile on incitement charge
In a week marking the fourth anniversary of the July 2021 riots, former president and MK Party founder Jacob Zuma turned up at court in Durban for the trial of one of the alleged instigators of the unrest, Bonginkosi Khanyile. Khanyile was appearing on the fifth day of the trial at the Durban high court on Friday. He is facing charges of incitement of violence and contraventions of the Disaster Management Act related to the civil unrest which claimed more than 350 lives and caused an estimated R20bn in damages. He is alleged to have been among the main instigators of the riots which erupted in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng after Zuma's arrest for contempt of court. In a video that is part of the state's evidence and was played in court, Khanyile allegedly called for Zuma's release and could be heard telling a group of people: 'Those who are burning the country must continue. Those who are closing roads must continue until Msholozi is released.' The defence claims those remarks were a political statement, not a call to action. During a brief appearance on Friday, defence lawyer Sizwe Cele cross cross-examined the fifth state witness, Brig Msizi Nyuswa from the Hawks. Nyuswa confirmed he came to the conclusion that Khanyile's remarks constituted incitement and asked for the case to be registered and sent to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Asked if he knew when the video taken as it did not show any dates, Nyuswa said he couldn't answer that, as such information did not fall under his scope. He added the relevant people would be able to provide an answer. Cele had no further questions when it emerged Nyuswa couldn't answer questions on two documents presented by the state — a summary of instability incidents and a statistics database of cases that were opened related to the unrest — which fell under the detective services, which was not his unit. The state has thus far led the evidence of five witnesses. The case was postponed to September 29 for further state evidence. After the adjournment Zuma said he would continue supporting Khanyile but refused to comment about the anniversary of his arrest and subsequent unrest. Neither he nor Khanyile would be drawn on statements by provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi whose explosive allegations about police minister Senzo Mchunu and other senior cops has landed him in hot water. On Thursday, MK Party MP David Skosana opened a criminal case against Mchunu and deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya for obstruction of justice, abuse of power and conspiracy to undermine investigations related to Mkhwanazi's allegations. Outside court MK Party head of presidency Magasela Mzobe called on party members to join the public march to support Mkhwanazi in Durban on Tuesday. Mzobe commended Mkhwanazi's courage. 'Mkhwanazi works like us. He has a way of dealing with criminals in a language they understand. You will just hear reports that there was a shoot-out with the police. His men are well trained,' he said. 'He was instrumental in KZN having elections without violence last year. We should support him because he is our friend but we know that when we're in the wrong he will arrest us. We must not kill each other because he deals with everyone. It's just that the criminals are all on that one side (party) so that's why it looks like he is targeting them for now.' Zuma did not address MK Party supporters gathered outside court, citing another engagement — the party's annual youth golf development event at the Royal Durban Golf Club.
The Journal
3 days ago
- The Journal
Former Irish swimming coach George Gibney agrees to extradition from US to face 79 charges for sexual offences
LAST UPDATE | 14 mins ago FORMER IRISH OLYMPIC swimming coach George Gibney, who is facing up to 79 charges, including attempted rape, relating to the alleged sexual abuse of four girls in Ireland, has agreed to be extradited from the US to Dublin. Gibney, who was arrested in Florida last week, has withdrawn his application to contest his extradition ahead of a court appearance tomorrow, according to court documents seen by The Journal. The 77-year-old was living in the US for 30 years and was wanted for 79 alleged sexual assault offences, 78 for indecent assault and one for attempted rape, against four girls between 1 January 1971 and 14 August 1974. Gibney was the founder of the Trojan Swimming Club in Blackrock in Dublin, where he also worked as a coach. He was also the Irish national swimming coach until 1991. He was previously charged with 27 sexual offences in 1993, which were dropped in 1994 after Gibney secured a High Court injunction which prevented the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from prosecuting him. Gibney then left Ireland for Scotland, where he continued to work as a swimming coach. He has lived in the United States since 1995. In 1997, a Garda investigation into Gibney was opened after fresh allegations were made against him. Advertisement A specialist unit within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau launched a detailed inquiry after a garda probe was reopened in 2020 when several people made allegations on a BBC and Second Captains podcast titled 'Where is George Gibney?' . After a three-year investigation, a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who recommended charging Gibney. Court documents relating to the case, lodged last week, refer to the podcast series extensively. The podcast series centred on the survivors of sexual abuse by the accused. A number of alleged victims emerged after an appeal was issued for people with any information to come forward. He was arrested in Florida last week, where he has been living for nearly three decades, on foot of an international warrant which was issued by Irish authorities. It is understood that Irish and US law enforcement had prepared for the arrest for over a week. Gibney appeared before Orlando District Court Judge Daniel Irick for 11 minutes last week. He was remanded in the custody of US Marshals to appear before the same judge tomorrow for a detention hearing. Court documents filed ahead of the hearing yesterday, which have been seen by The Journal , state that Gibney withdrew his application to contest the extradition and agreed to being extradited to Ireland after being advised of his rights earlier this week. With reporting by Andrew Walsh Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Kenyan cop faces possible murder charge for rally bystander's death
According to reports, at least 50 people have died in recent protests against Kenyan President Ruto's administration. Protesters take cover amid clouds of tear gas fired by Kenya police officers during clashes at Saba Saba Day demonstrations in Nairobi on July 7, 2025. Picture: Simon Maina / AFP A Kenyan police officer will be charged with murder over the death of a bystander he shot at close range during a rally against police brutality, prosecutors said Thursday. The east African nation has been roiled by increasingly violent demonstrations opposed to President William Ruto's administration. Kariuki's death At least 50 people have died in recent protests, according to a tally by AFP citing rights groups. Among them was mask vendor Boniface Kariuki, who was not protesting. He was shot by a policeman in riot gear on June 17 in the capital Nairobi. The incident was filmed and shared widely online and sparked huge anger, which only increased when Kariuki died of his wounds in hospital. Kariuki's funeral will be held on Friday outside Nairobi. ALSO READ: Kenya's president warns against bid to 'overthrow' govt by protests Officer could be charged with murder The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said it 'has approved a murder charge against a police officer who allegedly murdered a mask vendor in Nairobi', in a post on X. It said officer Klinzy Barasa Masinde, 32, had appeared in a Nairobi court and will be remanded in prison and 'undergo mental assessment before he is charged with murder'. Masinde will next appear in court on July 28. Looters 'should be shot in the leg' The move comes just a day after Ruto said looters during protests 'should be shot in the leg, be taken to hospital and taken to court'. His comments have been widely condemned. The June 17 protest was held after a teacher died in police custody following his arrest over social media posts criticising a senior police officer. Six people, including three police officers, have since been charged with the teacher's murder. NOW READ: Eight killed as deadly clashes erupt in Kenya on protest anniversary
The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
Clare man who allegedly assaulted judge now charged with stealing beer from shop
A COUNTY CLARE man charged in connection with the street assault of a retired district court judge was today further charged. Today at Ennis District Court, Jamie O'Connor (44) of Laurel Lodge, Clare Rd, Ennis was charged with stealing three cans of beer valued at €11.40 from Dunnes Stores, O'Connell Street, Ennis, on 15 June. The alleged theft occurred one day after Mr O'Connor is alleged to have assaulted retired district court judge, Joseph Mangan on Saturday, 14 June. Mr O'Connor has been in custody since 18 June after Judge Alec Gabbett refused an application for bail. Sgt Frank O'Grady told the court today that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are outstanding. Judge Gabbett said that he would further remand Mr O'Connor in custody to 23 July and told Sgt O'Grady that he would require a medical report on that date to help him decide on the issue of court jurisdiction for the hearing of the case. Judge Gabbett said: 'We need to know where the file is by 23 July. Time is passing and we will nearly be into the fifth week by that point.' In connection with the alleged assault, it is alleged that Mr O'Connor – who was appearing via video link from Limerick prison today – told the former judge 'you put me in jail for nothing' before allegedly punching him outside an Ennis cafe. Advertisement The retired judge – now in his early 80s – served as a judge for 27 years and was the assigned district court judge for Clare from 2001 to October 2011 when he retired at the age of 67. In the case, Mr O'Connor is charged with the assault causing harm of Joseph Mangan at Barrack Court, Ennis contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on 4 June. At a contested bail hearing on 18 June, Judge Gabbett said: 'This is an extremely serious alleged offence where a retired district court judge now into his 80s was allegedly assaulted for carrying out a public duty when he was a judge.' Sgt John Burke told the bail hearing that at 2.25pm on 14 June, Mr Mangan was sitting outside the Gourmet Store on Barrack Court in Ennis having a coffee. Sgt Burke said that it will be alleged that Mr O'Connor approached Mr Mangan 'and told him aggressively 'you put me in jail for nothing'. Sgt Burke said: 'Following a brief interaction it is alleged that Mr O'Connor stood up and punched Mr Mangan.' Sgt Burke said that Mr O'Connor then fled the scene in the direction of O'Connell Street. He said that Mr Mangan went to the local injuries unit in Ennis where he was treated for possible concussion and dizziness. Sgt Burke said that Mr Mangan made a statement to local Gardai. Sgt Burke said that Mr O'Connor was later arrested where he made no admissions 'and blamed alcohol for his memory loss'.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man charged with assaulting retired judge further charged with stealing beer
A County Clare man charged in connection with the street assault of a retired district court judge was today further charged. Today at Ennis District Court, Jamie O'Connor (44) of Laurel Lodge, Clare Road, Ennis was charged with on June 15 stealing three X cans of beer valued at €11.40 from Dunnes Stores, O'Connell Street, Ennis. The alleged theft occurred one day after Mr O'Connor is alleged to have assaulted retired district court judge, Joseph Mangan on Saturday, June 14. Mr O'Connor has been in custody since June 18 after Judge Alec Gabbett refused an application for bail. Sgt Frank O'Grady told the court today that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are outstanding. Judge Gabbett said that he would further remand Mr O'Connor in custody to July 23 and told Sgt O'Grady that he would require a medical report on that date to help him decide on the issue of court jurisdiction for the hearing of the case. Judge Gabbett said: 'We need to know where the file is by the 23 of July. Time is passing and we will nearly be into the fifth week by that point.' In connection with the alleged assault, it is alleged that Mr O'Connor - who was appearing via video link from Limerick prison today - told the former judge 'you put in jail for nothing' before allegedly punching him outside an Ennis cafe. The retired judge - now in his early 80s - served as a judge for 27 years and was the assigned district court judge for Clare from 2001 to October 2011 when he retired at the age of 67. In the case, Mr O'Connor is charged with the assault causing harm of Joseph Mangan at Barrack Court, Ennis contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on June 14. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week At a contested bail hearing on June 18, Judge Gabbett said: 'This is an extremely serious alleged offence where a retired district court judge now into his 80s was allegedly assaulted for carrying out a public duty when he was a judge.' Sgt John Burke told the bail hearing that at 2.25pm on June 14, Mr Mangan was sitting outside the Gourmet Store on Barrack Court in Ennis having a coffee. Sgt Burke said that it will be alleged that Mr O'Connor approached Mr Mangan 'and told him aggressively 'you put me in jail for nothing'. Sgt Burke said: 'Following a brief interaction it is alleged that Mr O'Connor stood up and punched Mr Mangan.' Sgt Burke said that Mr O'Connor then fled the scene in the direction of O'Connell Street. He said that Mr Mangan went to the local injuries unit in Ennis where he was treated for possible concussion and dizziness. Sgt Burke said that Mr Mangan made a statement to local Gardai. Sgt Burke said that Mr O'Connor was later arrested where he made no admissions 'and blamed alcohol for his memory loss'.
