The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has denied claims that arrest warrants have been issued for March and March Movement leader Jacinta MaNgobese-Zuma and her husband, Xolani Zuma.
In a statement, the NPA said no warrants of arrest had been issued, contradicting claims made by the movement following an announcement by Zuma that he had received information about the alleged legal action.
“The NPA wishes to categorically deny that any warrant of arrest was issued,” the authority said.
The NPA also stressed that its prosecutorial decisions were independent and not influenced by political parties, public office holders or any other individuals.
It said decisions were guided by the Constitution, legislation and the available evidence.
“As a general principle, the NPA does not normally make comments on matters of operations such as possible arrests and investigations before the law enforcement process involved is completed,” said NPA national spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago.
The authority added that once a matter was enrolled in court, the charges and reasons for prosecution would become known through the judicial process.
The NPA urged individuals and organisations to refrain from making unfounded allegations that could misrepresent or undermine the criminal justice system.
“The NPA remains dedicated to discharging its functions without fear, favour or prejudice,” it said.
March and March leaders said they were prepared to hand themselves over
The NPA's statement follows claims by Xolani Zuma that arrest warrants had allegedly been issued against him and Ngobese-Zuma, who leads the controversial March and March Movement.
Zuma said the reported warrants were linked to the movement's activities, which include campaigning against undocumented immigration in South Africa.
However, he questioned whether the information was genuine, saying the movement's team was working to establish the facts. His announcement did not identify the specific activities allegedly linked to the reported warrants.
At the time of his statement, there had been no independent confirmation that the warrants existed.
Despite his doubts, Zuma said he and Ngobese-Zuma were prepared to face the authorities if the information proved to be true.
“I do not believe that it is true, but to the extent that it is, we are available to hand ourselves over to the Police today,” he said.
Supporters respond to reported warrants
The claims sparked a defiant response from some March and March supporters, who voiced support for the movement's leadership and vowed to continue its campaign.
Supporter Sizwesethu Ndlangisa expressed his determination to press ahead with the movement's activities.
“If being South African is a crime then asiboshwe. Until we win,” Ndlangisa said.
Another supporter, Nkulumane Tribe, suggested the reported warrants could represent an attempt to suppress peaceful protest and called for political consequences.
“If this is an attempt to silence peaceful protest, it is a reckless abuse of power and yet another reason to vote this government out. Sebephelelwe amacebo (They have run out of ideas),” Tribe said.
Zuma also appealed for calm among members while the movement investigated the claims.
“Our team is investigating the veracity of the information, and we request all the members of March and March Movement to remain calm during this period, we still call for peaceful solutions to our domestic problems,” he said.
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