The North Gauteng High Court has issued a final order prohibiting former radio presenter Ngizwe Mchunu from making defamatory allegations against Julius Malema, following repeated claims that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader was involved in illegal activities. The order, made final on 19 May 2026 after an interim ruling the previous week, permanently restrains Mchunu from repeating unfounded accusations about Malema’s alleged financial ties to Nigerian drug dealers and his supposed protection of undocumented immigrants.
Details Of The Court Decision And Mchunu’s Defamatory Claims
According to court records and a report by Inside Politics, the High Court’s order specifically references claims made by Mchunu which accused Malema of accepting millions from Nigerian drug syndicates and sheltering undocumented immigrants for profit. The presiding judge found that these statements were unsubstantiated and seriously harmful to Malema’s reputation, warranting a standing legal prohibition. Mchunu’s allegations had circulated in the media and on his online platforms, prompting Malema to seek urgent legal relief. The court ruling follows an interim order granted on 12 May 2026, which initially barred Mchunu from further defamatory remarks while the matter was considered.
Despite the court’s final decision, Mchunu publicly refused to apologise to Malema. As reported by Bona, he reiterated his stance in a statement released on 13 May 2026, expressing no remorse for his remarks and declining to issue an apology as ordered by the court. The judgment does not compel Mchunu to apologise but rather forbids future repetition of the offending statements, with legal sanctions possible for non-compliance.
Background: Media Controversy And Public Implications
Ngizwe Mchunu rose to prominence as a presenter on SABC’s Ukhozi FM before his dismissal for alleged breaches of confidentiality policy. He later established Ngizwe Mchunu FM, an online radio station launched on 14 September 2019. Mchunu has a history of public controversy, including involvement in polygamous marriages, statements deemed xenophobic by critics, and charges related to incitement of public violence.
The High Court order underscores the judiciary’s stance on the limits of free speech in the context of public defamation in South Africa. The case also highlights ongoing challenges around political discourse, misinformation, and the responsibilities of prominent media figures. For Cape Town communities and the wider public, the ruling may serve as a reference point in balancing freedom of expression against reputational rights, a matter of increasing concern amid rising incidents of misinformation both locally and nationally.
Julius Malema has not formally commented on the outcome but is expected to pursue further legal remedies should Mchunu violate the order in future. The court’s decision sets a clear precedent for the enforcement of civil defamation protections in the country’s public sphere.
Further monitoring is expected to determine whether Ngizwe Mchunu complies fully with the court’s order or faces possible legal consequences for non-compliance.