The leader of the March and March Movement, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has spoken out after authorities decided to criminally charge her over allegations of inciting public violence.
The movement confirmed on Monday night that Ngobese-Zuma would present herself to police following the decision to open a criminal case against her.
In a statement, the organisation said:
“The March and March Movement has received the interesting news that the South African Police Service has decided to criminally charge our Leader and Founder Mrs Jacinta Ngobese Zuma for allegedly inciting public violence against illegal immigrants. We note the attitude of the State towards the South African citizens who are merely fighting for the rights of the disenfranchised and downtrodden people of South Africa.”
The movement further criticised authorities, claiming selective law enforcement.
“We have come to a conclusion that indeed it is easy to arrest and abuse voters and taxpayers while foreign nationals, who are here illegally, continue to sell drugs and illicit goods unabated,” the statement read.
Outside Point Police Station, Ngobese-Zuma told reporters that a case had been opened against her and that her legal team was already in discussions with police.
“They have opened the case for me today, but I’m waiting. My legal team is already there to find out. They’re making us wait for the investigating officer to explain exactly why I’m being arrested,” she said.
She denied instigating violence and questioned the basis of the allegations.
“Because he claims in front of all these cameras on Friday that I instigated violence from what I’m hearing. Of course, I’m not sure yet. So I’m saying I’m comfortable,” she added.
Ngobese-Zuma further alleged police misconduct during recent protests and said others involved in violent incidents had not been charged.
“There’s video evidence, there’s camera evidence of police unleashing bombs… pouring people with water. And also, there’s a person who was there who took out a gun on members of the March and the March. So today that person walks freely… and they decide that I’m the one that they need to open a case against,” she said.
She maintained that her actions were a lawful protest.
“Is standing outside of school picketing and demanding the rights of South Africans to be protected instigating violence? If that is what they call it, then I call on the whole country to be very violent,” she said, adding that she was advocating for children unable to attend school due to financial constraints.
SAPS has not yet issued a detailed public statement outlining the specific charges. The matter is expected to proceed through the criminal justice system once Ngobese-Zuma formally hands herself over.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star