The Durban Regional Court has restricted uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) MP, Visvin Reddy, from making any statements that could incite violence for the next seven years.
Image: File: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) Member of Parliament Visvin Reddy has been barred by the Durban Regional Court for the next seven years from making statements that could incite violence, warning that any breach would result in imprisonment.
Reddy pleaded guilty on Friday to a charge of incitement to commit public violence in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act. The court sentenced him to 10 months’ imprisonment or a fine of R30,000.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Reddy must pay R15,000 immediately, with the remaining R15,000 suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.
The criminal sentence adds to a prior Electoral Court penalty imposed two years ago, in which Reddy paid half of a R150,000 fine, with the balance suspended for five years under similar conditions.
The court further ruled that any statements inciting public violence within the next seven years would lead to immediate imprisonment.
Both the criminal case and the Electoral Court matter stem from remarks Reddy made during a rally in Shallcross on March 5, 2024, ahead of the national and provincial elections.
Addressing supporters at the time, he said: “Hear me carefully, this country will be turned into civil war the day that the MK is not allowed to campaign and to be on the ballot paper. No one will vote. No one in this country will vote. We will make sure of it. No one in this country will vote if MK is not on the ballot paper.”
He added: “We are sending a loud and clear message that if these courts, which are sometimes captured, stop MK, there will be anarchy in this country. There will be riots like you have never seen in this country. There will be no election, no South African will go to the polls if MK is not on the ballot paper.”
During court proceedings, Reddy expressed remorse and acknowledged that his remarks crossed the line into unlawful incitement.
“I have no defence in law for my conduct,” he said, adding that as a public representative he had a duty not to encourage unlawful actions.
Speaking outside court, Reddy said he was relieved that his comments had not resulted in violence.
“What I did was wrong. I should not have said it. I am just glad that my words did not incite violence, or riots, or murders,” he said.
He also emphasised the responsibility of political leaders to be mindful of their statements, noting the influence they hold over supporters.
NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara underscored the seriousness of the offence.
“We hope that the public at large takes note of that. The NPA will prosecute transgressors,” she said.