SAPS, NPA: Deny March and March Arrest Warrants Claims

• SAPS and NPA officially denied claims of arrest warrants for March and March leaders Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and Xolani Zuma.
• The denials followed a statement from the March and March Movement alleging politically motivated arrests linked to protests.
• KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed no case is registered against the couple and dismissed the claims as baseless rumors.
• NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago affirmed the authority's independence from political influence in its prosecutorial functions.
• Police urged activists to be responsible, avoid inciting violence, and verify any warrant claims directly with official channels.

This incident highlights the importance of verifying official information directly from bodies like SAPS and NPA, rather than relying on unconfirmed statements from movements or political figures.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have unequivocally refuted claims regarding the issuance of arrest warrants for the leaders of the March and March Movement, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and her husband, Xolani Zuma. This official denial directly addresses a statement released by the movement on Wednesday, October 14, which alleged that warrants had been issued and that the couple faced potential arrest by Friday, October 16. The March and March Movement's national spokesperson, Sandile Dube, had asserted that these purported arrests were politically motivated and linked to their ongoing nationwide protests, occurring just weeks before the local government elections scheduled for November 4.

Further compounding their allegations, the movement accused the Presidency of attempting to intimidate civil society organizations and called upon President Cyril Ramaphosa to disassociate himself from what they characterized as political interference. Xolani Zuma, who also serves as the acting chief executive of the SA First Forum, had publicly stated that he and his wife would voluntarily surrender to authorities if the reports of arrest warrants were officially substantiated. However, these claims were swiftly and comprehensively dismissed by law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies, with SAPS NPA deny March and March arrest warrants becoming the official stance.

In a formal statement issued on Thursday, October 15, Kaizer Kganyago, the national spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, categorically denied the existence of any such arrest warrants. Kganyago emphasized the NPA's operational independence, asserting that the authority does not receive directives from political parties, public office holders, or any external entities concerning its prosecutorial functions. He underscored that the NPA's decisions are made impartially and independently, free from political influence. This firm stance directly contradicts the March and March Movement warrant claims of politically motivated actions.

Echoing the National Prosecuting Authority denial, the KwaZulu-Natal police went a step further, confirming that their records showed no trace of any case registered against Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma or Xolani Zuma. Brigadier Mathe, a police spokesperson, addressed the situation by dismissing the claims as mere "rumours, allegations, or pronouncements." While acknowledging that police typically refrain from responding to baseless allegations, Brigadier Mathe explained that the decision to clarify the matter was prompted by the potential for such KwaZulu-Natal police rumours to incite panic among residents in the region. The police aimed to set the record straight and prevent undue public alarm.

Brigadier Mathe explicitly stated that the police do not engage in "witch hunts" and do not target specific individuals, reinforcing the principle of impartial law enforcement. He also warned that no amount of public statements would deter the police from their duty to enforce the law. This South African Police Service statement serves as a clear message that official processes will be followed regardless of external pressure or unverified claims. The police also took the opportunity to urge activists and public figures to exercise responsibility in their communications.

They specifically cautioned against making statements that could be perceived as malicious, reckless, or capable of inciting violence. To counter misinformation and ensure public trust, authorities advised anyone who suspects an arrest warrant has been issued against them to directly contact the police for verification. Furthermore, individuals claiming knowledge of a warrant were encouraged to disclose the specific charges involved, thereby preventing public speculation and ensuring transparency. This incident highlights the importance of verifying official information directly from bodies like SAPS and NPA, rather than relying on unconfirmed statements from movements or political figures.

Lawyers advising activists or political figures should counsel clients to verify any claims of arrest warrants directly with official channels like SAPS or NPA, rather than relying on unconfirmed movement statements. Furthermore, clients should be advised against making public statements that could be deemed malicious, reckless, or incite violence, as authorities have indicated they will enforce the law against such actions.

Source: Original reporting via Scrolla