The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has finalised its ruling in favour of Julius Malema in his urgent defamation case against cultural activist and former radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu.
In an order handed down on Tuesday, the court confirmed the interim interdict granted earlier this month, barring Mchunu from publishing, repeating, or encouraging any further defamatory statements about Malema. Mchunu was also ordered to pay Malema’s legal costs on a punitive attorney-and-client scale.
The matter stems from statements Mchunu allegedly made during televised interviews on 28 and 30 April 2026.During the interviews, Mchunu accused Malema of receiving millions from Nigerian drug dealers, protecting illegal immigrants, looting VBS Mutual Bank, and engaging in corruption.
The court found the allegations 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 had been required to show cause on 19 May as to why the interim order should not be made final.Mchunu represented himself during Tuesday’s proceedings, while supporters gathered outside the court. He maintained his stance, claiming to possess evidence linking Malema to illegal immigrants.
The ruling marks a significant legal victory for Malema, who welcomed the court’s decision to protect his reputation. The issue of damages will be determined at a later hearing.
