The trial of Mkhululi Jele, Chairman of the MRP Youth League, has entered its fourth and final phase today, with significant developments emerging. After all state witnesses presented their evidence in chief. In light of this, Mr. Thutho Mavula, Jele’s lawyer, will make an application for discharge at the close of the state case. Mr Mavula highlighted that he is of the opinion that the state has failed to prove the essential elements of the allegations against Jele basing on the evidence led by its three witnesses. Should the application be successful, the court will have to discharge and acquit Jele of the charges he is facing for lack of sufficient evidence or failure by state to prove the essential elements of the crime against Jele.
The case has been postponed to Monday, March 3, 2025, for judgment and closure. Jele will remain in custody in Plumtree prison until the finalization of his case.
The controversy surrounding Mkhululi Jele’s arrest originated from a dispute at Phakamani High School, where students protested against being forced to learn Shona language and culture as part of their Heritage Studies curriculum. The students’ objections were met with allegations that School Headmaster Nkululeko Vundla and the PISI police improperly detained the protesting students in the headmaster’s office without notifying their parents. This incident sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the actions as gross misconduct. Jele, along with other concerned community members, intervened to challenge these actions, which ultimately led to his arrest and detention.
The Mkhululi Jele case has sparked widespread outrage since his arrest on February 11, 2025, with the community rallying behind him and advocating for his release. Yesterday, a show of strength saw forty-Seven MRP members gather at the Plumtree Magistrate’s Court. Some members even camped overnight in the town, ensuring their presence at today’s continuation of the trial. As a result, about twenty-six members remained and attended the court session today, providing moral support to Mkhululi Jele. Supporters from Bulawayo, Mangwe, Bulilima, and Plumtree Town have consistently demonstrated their solidarity with Jele, underscoring the community’s commitment to his cause.
Notably, financial assistance from the local MRP membership, Well wishers, European, Botswana South, Mangwe District Diaspora, and South African Charters, as well as local individuals, has provided crucial support to Jele’s welfare and other logistics during this challenging period. The circumstances surrounding Jele’s arrest and denial of bail have raised concerns about the motivations behind the judicial decisions, highlighting broader issues regarding the rights of students in Matabeleland to receive culturally sensitive education.
As the trial progresses, the community and the party remains steadfast in its call for transparency, accountability, and equitable treatment within the justice system. The forthcoming judgment on March 3 will be crucial in shaping the outcome of this contentious case and its broader implications for educational rights in the region.
In solidarity with Cde Mkhululi Jele, who is valiantly advocating for our collective rights and freedoms, we invite all MRP members, the Mthwakazi community, and justice advocates to gather at the Plumtree Magistrate Court on Monday, March 3, 2025. Your presence will serve as a powerful affirmation of our united commitment to justice and equality.
Let us stand together to support Cde Mkhululi Jele and the MRP’s mission to restore the Mthwakazi state.
In Pursuit of Justice and Peace in Our Lifetime,
Sisonke Sibambene SinguMthwakazi Sesikulungisa
Ackim Gabazi Ndebele
Head of Communications Department, Mthwakazi Republic Party
