The gold-detecting device sat on the table beside him, an unusual courtroom prop for an unusual defendant. Cultural activist and former radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu appeared in the Gauteng High Court on Tuesday for the latest round of Julius Malema’s defamation lawsuit—and he arrived with defiance, a devoted wife by the curbside, and a small crowd of supporters who see him as a warrior against elite overreach.
At the heart of the legal battle are explosive claims Mchunu made against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader. The activist publicly alleged that Malema took R60 million from Nigerian drug dealers and profited from crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Malema, who has consistently denied the allegations, launched the defamation suit to clear his name and stop the statements from spreading.
On Tuesday, the court granted a final interdict barring Mchunu from repeating the statements. The order upholds an earlier ruling, despite Mchunu representing himself and claiming he missed the initial hearing because he was marching with supporters elsewhere.
“The court has spoken,” said Malema’s legal representative, Advocate Tshepo Mokoena. “These allegations were false, malicious, and damaging. The interdict prevents further harm while the damages claim proceeds.”
Mchunu, who has been vocal about his distrust of the judicial system, remained defiant outside the courtroom. “I am not afraid,” he told reporters, his wife watching from the pavement. “They can silence my words, but they cannot silence the truth. The people know what is happening.”
The activist has cultivated a following among those who view him as a truth-teller standing up to powerful interests. His supporters gathered outside the court, singing and holding signs that read “Ngizwe Speaks for Us” and “Malema Must Answer.” They see the legal action not as legitimate accountability but as an attempt by a powerful politician to crush a smaller voice.
Critics, however, describe Mchunu’s courtroom behavior—including the gold-detecting device he claims helps him uncover hidden truths—as disrespectful and theatrical. “This is not a reality show,” said legal analyst Mpumelelo Zikalala. “This is a serious defamation case with real consequences. Mr. Mchunu’s antics do not help his cause.”
With the interdict now final, attention turns to the pending damages claim. Malema is seeking substantial financial compensation, though the amount has not been publicly disclosed. Legal experts say Mchunu could also be ordered to pay the EFF leader’s legal costs, which are likely to be significant.
For now, Mchunu has been silenced—at least in court. Outside the building, he is still speaking. His supporters are still listening. And the case, far from over, moves into its next chapter: the fight over what his words will cost him.
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