Pretoria High Court Makes Defamation Order Final Against Ngizwe Mchunu in Favour of Julius Malema
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has finalised its ruling in favour of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema in his urgent defamation case against cultural activist and former radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu.
The court, in an order handed down today, Tuesday, confirmed the interim interdict granted earlier this month, barring Mchunu from publishing, repeating, or encouraging any further defamatory statements about Malema. Mchunu must also pay Malema’s legal costs on a punitive attorney-and-client scale.
The matter stems from statements Mchunu made during televised interviews on 28 and 30 April 2026.
In those interviews, he accused Malema of receiving R60 million (or $60 million in some reports) from Nigerian drug dealers, protecting illegal immigrants, looting the VBS Mutual Bank, and engaging in other forms of corruption. The court found these claims to be unlawful and defamatory.
Judge Khumalo’s order prohibits Mchunu from making the allegations “explicitly, impliedly, or otherwise,” pending the final determination of damages and other relief sought in Part B of the application. Mchunu was required to show cause on 19 May why the interim order should not be made final.
Today’s proceedings saw Mchunu represent himself in court, where supporters gathered outside. He continued to defend his position, claiming to have evidence regarding Malema’s alleged links to illegal immigrants.
This victory represents a significant legal win for Malema, who welcomed the court’s protection of his reputation. The quantum of any damages will be determined at a later hearing.