July 2021 unrest case involving 62 accused postponed to August 2027

A warehouse in Durban was burnt and items looted during the July 2021 unrest.

The case of the 62 people charged in connection with the July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal has been adjourned to August 23 2027 for trial.

The accused face charges of incitement to commit public violence; incitement to commit terrorism; conspiracy to commit public violence; conspiracy to commit murder; terrorism; sedition; and public violence.

During the proceedings, the court heard that five of the accused are still addressing issues about their legal representation. Because of this, the matter was adjourned to next year for trial.

"The trial was scheduled to commence on 20 July 2026 and was set to continue until 18 September 2026. The state was ready to proceed with the trial and state witnesses were present in court on that date. However, on that date, the court was advised that some of the accused persons had not settled their issues pertaining to their Legal Aid applications and legal representations," said KZN National Prosecuting Authority in a statement released on Friday.