TikToker Max Makhanya apologises to KZN police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi - IOL
Image: Fanelesibonge Bengu/Isolezwe.co.za
TikToker Nkululeko Maxwell Makhanya, who is accused of crimen injuria and inciting violence has apologised to KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi after being granted R7,000 bail by the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Makhanya was arrested on Sunday for allegedly insulting Mkhwanazi. According to a police statement, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team opened a case against him.
The 38-year-old was arrested at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu while attending the MK Party’s “Sithatha Omaspala” election rally ahead of the local government elections. He made a brief appearance in court on Monday, where senior prosecutor Nkululeko Msiya said the State was not opposed to bail, as Makhanya was facing a Schedule 1 offence.
However, Msiya asked the court to set bail at R10,000, citing Makhanya’s alleged monthly rental payment of R13,000 for his accommodation in Midrand.
This prompted a response from Makhanya’s lawyer, advocate Mzonjani Zulu, who told the court that his client was unemployed and looking for work.
Asked by Magistrate Ashwin Singh where he intended to stay, given that he had two addresses, Makhanya explained that his home was in Mbumbulu but that he had been staying in Gauteng because of temporary work.
Through his lawyer, he told the court that he was staying in a flat registered under the name BE Blose, after asking Inkosi Malusi Zondi for assistance.
He said he pays R1,000 a month in rent and sometimes does not pay anything.
Zulu also told the court that Makhanya had two children and that his girlfriend could go into labour at any time. Singh said Makhanya was facing a serious offence that was rife in Durban. He also reprimanded him for laughing in court.
The magistrate granted him R7,000 bail, with strict conditions prohibiting him from inciting violence or encouraging anyone to abuse or assault police officers, their families or government employees.
Makhanya was supported in court by Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) president Mlungisi Zondi.
Speaking outside court, Makhanya said he wanted to apologise to Mkhwanazi and the people of South Africa. He said he had been involved in disputes with people on TikTok who subsequently shared the video that led to his arrest.
“I made attempts for the video to not go viral. I even fought with the people that posted the video. I would like to apologise to Mkhwanazi and the whole of South Africa,” he said.
Makhanya’s case is expected to return to court on January 20.
