MK Party’s Visvin Reddy has confirmed that he has been charged in terms of Section 17 of the Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956. Image: SABC News
MK Party’s Visvin Reddy charged for inciting violence over ‘anarchy’ threats
MK Party supporter Visvin Reddy says he is charged under the same Act used to charge former President Nelson Mandela.
MK Party’s Visvin Reddy has confirmed that he has been charged in terms of Section 17 of the Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956. Image: SABC News
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has charged uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) member Visvin Reddy with inciting violence over claims he made about the courts and the elections.
Reddy became famous after he was captured on a video threatening that there would be riots “like you have never seen” if former president Jacob Zuma’s name was not on the ballot paper.
WATCH: Visvin Reddy of the MK Party in Durban openly saying that if the Jacob Zuma led party is barred by the courts from contesting the upcoming elections, there will be anarchy, riots and no one will be allowed to vote. pic.twitter.com/FmqRIjhnKd
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) March 5, 2024
‘SAME ACT USED TO CHARGE MANDELA’ – VISVIN REDDY
“I will be defending this charge in court through my legal team, where I believe the truth will be told. I am concerned that state resources seem to be used to eliminate political opponents,” said Reddy.
“This practice is reminiscent of the apartheid days, and I will fight tooth and nail to prevent that from happening. All those who know me can attest to the fact that I always preach peace and am a firm fighter for justice,” he said.
“This is the same act used to charge former President Nelson Mandela,” Reddy said, according to the Independent Online.
‘THE WILL BE ANARCHY IN THIS COUNTRY’
“The charge is based on a video clip that was deliberately and intentionally circulated by individuals who are threatened by the groundswell and phenomenal support of the MK party, supported by President Jacob Zuma,” he added.
In the video, which became viral, Reddy can be heard threatening violence if the MKP is not on the 29 May elections ballot sheets.
“No South African will go to the polls if MKP is not on the ballot,” Reddy shouted.
“We are sending a loud and clear message: if these courts, which are sometimes captured, stop MK, there will be anarchy in this country,” he said.
