Police find no case as Jacinta and Xolani arrest claims spread
DURBAN — The National Prosecuting Authority has rejected claims that arrest warrants were issued for March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and her husband, Xolani Zuma, while police warned that unverified allegations could cause public panic.
The denials follow public statements suggesting the couple faced imminent arrest linked to the movement’s activities. March and March also alleged political interference ahead of the 4 November municipal elections.
“The NPA wishes to categorically deny that any warrant of arrest was issued,” the authority said.
It rejected suggestions that politicians direct its decisions, saying prosecutions are determined independently through the Constitution, legislation and evidence.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda separately said police could trace no case registered against the couple. He urged activists to verify information before making public announcements and warned against statements that could incite violence.
The movement’s announcement had presented the anticipated arrests as an attempt to intimidate its leadership. However, Xolani’s own statement contained reservations about whether the information was accurate.
According to IOL, he said the movement was investigating the claims and that he did not believe they were true. He nevertheless offered to surrender to police if warrants were confirmed and called on supporters to remain calm.
That qualification is relevant to assessing the statements. Authorities have contradicted the warrant allegation, but the available reporting does not establish who supplied the information or whether those sharing it knew it was false.
The NPA urged individuals and organisations to avoid unfounded allegations that could misrepresent or undermine the criminal justice process.
It also said it generally does not discuss possible arrests or investigations before the relevant law enforcement processes are completed. Its denial of the reported warrants should therefore not be interpreted as a broader undertaking about any future legal proceedings.
The immediate issue is the publication of an unverified arrest warning, followed by explicit official denials. Any allegation of deliberate fabrication or an intention to provoke unrest would require further evidence.
Anyone with additional information can contact the press desk at press@townpress.co.za or drop a tip on our annonymous platform https://tips.townpress.co.za/