News24 | NPA denies arrest warrants issued for March and March leaders

The National Prosecuting Authority has dismissed claims by the March and March Movement that arrest warrants have been issued against its leader, Jacinta MaNgobese Zuma, and SA First Forum acting CEO Xolani Zuma.

Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24. Images: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP; Darren Stewart/Gallo Images.

• The NPA has denied issuing arrest warrants against March and March Movement leader Jacinta MaNgobese Zuma and SA First Forum acting CEO Xolani Zuma.
• The movement alleges the reported arrests are politically motivated and linked to the 4 November local government elections.
• March and March says it will proceed with its planned peaceful marches, while the NPA has urged organisations to avoid unfounded allegations.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has denied issuing warrants of arrest against March and March Movement founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and SA First Forum acting chief executive Xolani Zuma, following the movement's claims that the pair faced imminent arrest.

In a statement issued ahead of its planned Thursday marches, the movement said it had received reports that warrants had been issued for the arrest of the two leaders on or before Friday, 16 October.

However, NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago dismissed the claims, saying no warrants had been issued.

“The NPA wishes to categorically deny that any warrant of arrest was issued, and that it does not receive instructions from political parties, holders of public office, or anyone else on its prosecutorial function,” Kganyago said.

He said the NPA made independent and impartial prosecutorial decisions guided by the Constitution, legislation and evidence.

The movement alleged that the reported arrests were politically motivated and linked them to the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 4 November.

It claimed the alleged move was intended to intimidate civil society and disrupt its activities ahead of the elections, further alleging that the NPA was facing political pressure to act against its leaders.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda also dismissed claims that arrest warrants had been issued against Ngobese-Zuma and Zuma.

“Police in KwaZulu-Natal hereby dismiss rumours, allegations or pronouncement that a warrant of arrest was issued for the arrest of March and March and South Africa First Forum leaders,” Netshiunda said.

He said police had no record of any case registered against the two individuals and urged activists to refrain from making reckless statements that could cause panic or incite violence.

“If a person suspects that there is a warrant of arrest issued against them, concerned parties must contact the police to verify so that they communicate facts,” he said.

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March and March Movement spokesperson Sandile Dube said the movement remained committed to its planned peaceful demonstrations and would continue to raise concerns about border security, corruption and government accountability.

Dube said maximum prison beds have already been prepared to detain citizen activists in an effort to cause civil unrest and disrupt the upcoming 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections.

“We knew three months ago that an executive committee meeting of a failing political movement met to discuss whether to arrest our leaders before or after elections; these looming arrests are no coincidence. The movement had always known that this arrest was planned for just after the elections, but with recent pressure through our countrywide marches, the NPA is receiving undue political pressure to act immediately,” said Dube.

Dube also called for the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to areas affected by illegal mining, as well as stronger action against undocumented immigration.

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Among its demands are declaring illegal immigration a national disaster, strengthening the powers and funding of the Border Management Authority, and changing legislation to reserve township and informal trading spaces for South African small businesses.

He also criticised the recent Constitutional Court judgment, arguing that the government had failed to prioritise the concerns of South African citizens amid high unemployment and the rising cost of living.

Kganyago said the NPA generally did not comment on operational matters, including possible arrests and investigations, before the relevant law enforcement processes had been completed.

“Once a matter is enrolled in the courts, the charges and reasons for prosecution will become known through the normal judicial process,” he said.

The NPA urged individuals and organisations to refrain from making unfounded allegations that could misrepresent or undermine the criminal justice process.

“The NPA remains dedicated to discharging its functions without fear, favour or prejudice,” Kganyago said.

The March and March Movement said it would proceed with its scheduled peaceful marches, calling on the government to prioritise citizens, secure the country’s borders and restore law and order.