Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille shared a video on social media describing how she was told to wait on the grass while the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department comes to arrest her for entering the Metro Centre.
HELEN ZILLE DESCRIBES WAITING ON ARREST
Two weeks ago, Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille and her team were denied access by security personnel when trying to enter the Metro Centre.
“The refusal to allow oversight is sinister and undemocratic, especially as billions in public money is at stake,” according to a statement.
Zille stated that the intention behind the visit was to assess both the condition of the abandoned Metro Centre and the status of residents’ building plans, as well as other sensitive records believed to still be housed inside the building.
“The purpose of the inspection visit was to assess the condition of the building and determine where and how residents’ building plans and other sensitive records are currently being stored,” she said.
Zille has now shared a video, which has gone viral and hit one million views, where she describes “awaiting” an arrest. Take a look…
“POV: You were told to wait on the grass before the JMPD comes to arrest you for entering the Metro Centre,” she wrote on the video.
“We did it for you, Joburg. #BelieveInJoburg#Zille4Mayor
Social media users cheer on Helen Zille in the comments section.
“What a time to be alive . South Africa 🇿🇦 alive with possibilities ❤️,” wrote @sihle_the_designer.
“We got you at the polls Gogo🙌🔥,” wrote @tshepz_thakzen.
“Whoever made this video gets 10/10 🤣👏🏼,” wrote @thekandyk.
“Exposing the truth. A woman for fought against the apartheid. She is the unsung heroine of SA. We will come to bail you out . You are the difference. ❤️Helen,” wrote @leonasingh28.
“You give South Africa hope. You are the ultimate inspiration with your never give up attitude. Thank you for all your sacrifices to fix what you didn’t break ❤️,” wrote @francois_blommelander.
MAYORAL CANDIDATE FOR JOHANNESBURG
Helen Zille is the DA mayoral candidate for Johannesburg for the 2026 municipal elections. The politican was officially named the mayoral candidate in September 2025. Her aim is reportedly to restore the city to its former glory by tackling service delivery failures and unstable coalitions.
She previously took a swim in the “pools” of the Johannesburg potholes.
FIVE PLEDGES TO JOHANNESBURG RESIDENTS
- Reliable water and electricity for all residents
- Roads that work
- Attract 200 000 new jobs to Joburg
- Law and order! Kill corruption and make public spaces safer
- A professional, modern government. A City we can be proud of