Richards Bay Mayor Xolani Ngwezi has been acquitted of crimen injuria charges, which he claims were politically motivated, as the court questions the intentions of his accusers.
City of uMhlathuze mayor and IFP councillor Xolani Ngwezi has welcomed a ruling by the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court, which found him not guilty on two counts of crimen injuria linked to remarks he allegedly made during a television interview in 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the municipality said the charges were brought by a businessman and a politician currently serving in the City of uMhlathuze Council, who accused Ngwezi of making derogatory and defamatory comments during an appearance on 1KZN TV.
According to the statement, the court found the allegations against the mayor lacked substance and were unfounded.
“The court further questioned the intentions of the two complainants for laying these charges against Cllr Ngwezi,” the municipality said.
