NPA Denies Activists’ Arrest Warrants

DURBAN, 15 October 2026 — The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has denied claims that arrest warrants have been issued against March and March Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and her husband, Xolani Zuma, who is also associated with the South Africa First Forum.

The denial follows a statement released by the movement on Wednesday, 14 October, alleging that the two activists could be arrested on or before Friday, 16 October 2026.

The movement claimed that the anticipated arrests were politically motivated and linked to its nationwide protests against undocumented immigration.

However, both the NPA and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal have rejected the allegations.

Police say they have no record of a criminal case registered against either individual.

NPA Denies March And March Arrest Warrants

NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago dismissed allegations that the authority had issued arrest warrants against Ngobese-Zuma and her husband.

In its statement on Thursday, the NPA categorically denied the existence of the alleged warrants.

The prosecuting authority also rejected suggestions that its decisions were influenced by political parties, government officials or other outside interests.

Kganyago emphasised that prosecutorial decisions must be made independently, based on the Constitution, applicable legislation and available evidence.

The NPA explained that it generally does not comment on operational matters involving potential arrests or investigations before the relevant law enforcement processes have been completed.

It added that once criminal proceedings are formally brought before a court, the charges and reasons for prosecution become part of the judicial process.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Reject Arrest Claims

KwaZulu-Natal police have also denied that warrants were issued against the couple.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police were responding publicly because the allegations had the potential to create unnecessary panic among residents.

According to Netshiunda, police could not trace any criminal case registered against Ngobese-Zuma or Xolani Zuma.

The police spokesperson rejected suggestions that law enforcement authorities were conducting a politically motivated campaign against the activists.

He also urged individuals and organisations to verify information before making public announcements about alleged criminal proceedings.

Police warned that unsubstantiated statements could contribute to public uncertainty and potentially inflame tensions.

March And March Claims Political Interference

The March and March Movement issued a statement on Wednesday claiming that its leaders were facing imminent arrest.

Movement spokesperson Sandile Dube alleged that the possible arrests were connected to the organisation’s protests and activities ahead of the 4 November local government elections.

The movement accused the Presidency of attempting to intimidate civil society and called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to distance himself from what it described as political interference.

It further alleged that discussions had previously taken place about whether the leaders should be arrested before or after the elections.

These claims have not been substantiated by publicly available evidence.

The NPA has explicitly rejected allegations of political interference in its prosecutorial decisions.

Xolani Zuma Responds To Allegations

Xolani Zuma, identified as the acting chief executive officer of the South Africa First Forum, also responded to reports of possible arrest warrants.

He indicated that the movement was attempting to establish whether the information it had received was genuine.

Zuma said he and Ngobese-Zuma were prepared to cooperate with authorities if legitimate warrants existed.

He also called on supporters to remain calm while the movement sought clarity.

The subsequent statements from the NPA and police have contradicted the movement’s earlier claims.

As of Thursday, no verified arrest warrant or registered criminal case against the pair had been identified by KwaZulu-Natal police.

Who Are March And March Leaders?

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is a prominent figure in the March and March Movement, an activist organisation that campaigns for stricter enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.

The movement has organised demonstrations calling for stronger border controls, action against undocumented immigration and increased government intervention in communities affected by unemployment and crime.

Xolani Zuma is associated with the South Africa First Forum, which has also participated in public campaigns concerning immigration and national policy.

The organisations argue that government should prioritise South African citizens in employment and public policy.

Their campaigns have attracted both support and criticism.

Critics of anti-immigration activism have raised concerns about the potential for discrimination, intimidation and violence against foreign nationals.

South African law protects the right to peaceful protest, while also prohibiting violence, intimidation and unlawful discrimination.

Movement Plans Further Demonstrations

Despite the dispute over the alleged warrants, March and March has indicated that it intends to continue its protest activities.

The movement has called for stronger enforcement against undocumented immigration and improvements to border security.

Its demands include changes to immigration enforcement policies, increased action against illegal mining and additional measures addressing unemployment and crime.

The organisation has also advocated for the deployment of the South African National Defence Force in areas affected by illegal mining.

These remain proposals advanced by the movement rather than government policies adopted in response to the latest dispute.

Police have urged organisers to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and comply with applicable laws.

Arrest Rumours Raise Public Safety Concerns

The allegations emerged during a period of heightened tension surrounding immigration-related protests in KwaZulu-Natal.

Recent demonstrations in Durban have been accompanied by reports of violence and damage to property.

Police have emphasised that public statements concerning alleged arrests should be based on verified information.

Unconfirmed claims involving political persecution or imminent police action can spread rapidly through social media.

Such information may contribute to public anxiety, particularly when it concerns controversial issues or planned demonstrations.

Authorities have therefore encouraged individuals who believe a warrant exists against them to contact police directly for verification.

NPA Reaffirms Prosecutorial Independence

The NPA has reiterated that its constitutional responsibilities require independent and impartial decision-making.

The authority said prosecution decisions are guided by the law and evidence rather than instructions from political office-bearers.

This principle is important because criminal proceedings must be separated from political disputes.

The NPA also urged organisations and individuals to avoid circulating unsupported allegations that could undermine confidence in the justice system.

Its response does not establish that the activists could never face criminal investigation in the future.

Rather, it addresses the specific allegation that arrest warrants had already been issued against them.

What Happens Next?

With the NPA and police having denied the alleged warrants, attention now turns to the movement’s planned demonstrations and any further statements from its leadership.

The March and March Movement has indicated that it intends to continue campaigning on immigration and related issues.

Police have said they will continue enforcing the law without targeting individuals because of their political or activist affiliations.

As of 15 October 2026, the authorities’ position is that no arrest warrants have been issued against Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma or Xolani Zuma.

The movement’s allegations of politically motivated arrests remain unsubstantiated.