TikToker Max Makhanya Granted R7,000 Bail in Durban Court

DURBAN – Popular TikToker Max Makhanya has been granted R7,000 bail by the Durban Magistrate’s Court after facing serious charges linked to a social media video.

Makhanya, a 38-year-old man also known as Nkululeko Makhanya and a known MK Party activist, appeared in court on Monday for his first appearance. He faces charges of crimen injuria and incitement to commit violence.

Police arrested him on Sunday afternoon at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. He was attending an MK Party rally when officers from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team took him into custody. The arrest followed a TikTok video in which he allegedly insulted KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and encouraged people to commit acts of violence.

Court proceedings took place under the watch of his legal representative, Advocate Mzonjani Zulu. After hearing arguments, the magistrate granted him bail of R7,000. One of the key bail conditions is that Makhanya must not directly or indirectly encourage any form of violence among members of the public.

The case has been postponed to 20 January 2027. This gives both the state and the defence more time to prepare.

The incident has drawn attention because of the growing role social media plays in public debate in South Africa. Police have made it clear that while people have the right to free speech, content that crosses into insults that harm dignity or calls for violence will not be ignored.

Makhanya is a well-known figure on TikTok, where he has built a large following with his outspoken posts. Supporters of the MK Party have followed the matter closely, while others have welcomed the police action as a sign that no one is above the law.

For now, Makhanya walks free on bail but must stick to the strict conditions set by the court. Any breach could see him return to custody. The next court date in January will decide the next steps in this high-profile case.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2117218126546813426