Chaka Zulu, Ludacris‘ longtime manager, has received clarity on his legal standing in the 2022 shooting incident that led to the tragic death of a 23-year-old college student. Recent updates from WSB-TV Atlanta reveal that prosecutors in Fulton County have decided to dismiss murder and related charges against Zulu, citing their determination that he acted in self-defense during a confrontation in the parking lot of his Buckhead restaurant.
In response to this development, Gabe Banks, Zulu’s attorney, issued a statement on November 22, which Zulu shared on his Instagram account. The statement expresses Zulu’s satisfaction with the outcome of the comprehensive investigation conducted by District Attorney Fani Willis and her team. From the outset, Zulu emphasized his commitment to a fair legal process and expressed confidence that, upon careful examination of the facts and evidence, the District Attorney arrived at a just decision. Zulu acknowledges the tragedy of the loss of life under extraordinary circumstances.
The statement from Gabe Banks emphasizes Zulu’s desire to move forward and concentrate on supporting and nurturing his family. It calls for privacy during this time and directs any inquiries to the office of Gabe Banks, Esq.
Chaka Zulu was initially arrested in September 2022, three months after the shooting, facing charges including murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and simple battery.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Zulu has consistently asserted that he acted in self-defense—a stance echoed by his attorney. Banks highlights that the incident occurred at Zulu’s business establishment and emphasizes that Zulu sustained injuries, including being shot in the back, narrowly escaping a life-threatening situation.
Banks, in an earlier statement, underscored that Zulu lawfully discharged his licensed weapon in an attempt to preserve his life. Zulu fully cooperated with law enforcement and voluntarily surrendered himself upon learning of the arrest warrants. While recognizing the tragedy of a life lost, the statement underscores the belief that Zulu’s actions were necessary to prevent his own demise that fateful night.
The fatal shooting unfolded in June 2022 following an altercation involving multiple men. Several gunshots were fired, injuring Zulu, another individual, and resulting in the death of 23-year-old Artez Benton, as confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.