Zuma Claims He Could Soon Be Arrested, Says He Is Not Afraid of Jail
MK Party president Jacob Zuma has told supporters that he believes he could soon be arrested but insists he is not afraid of returning to prison.
Speaking at the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s (MK Party) final election rally at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, eThekwini, on Sunday, Zuma addressed concerns about a possible arrest ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.
“Don’t worry about that, and don’t be scared. There is nothing,” Zuma told supporters, referring to his previous imprisonment at Estcourt Correctional Centre in 2021.
However, he did not provide details of the alleged threat, and neither the South African Police Service (SAPS) nor the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed any plans to arrest him.
The 84-year-old also made his first major public appearance since being discharged from a Pietermaritzburg hospital last month, where he spent about 11 days receiving treatment after falling ill while campaigning.
Downplaying his illness, Zuma assured supporters that he was well.
He also criticised the Government of National Unity, called for unity among black South Africans and urged voters to support the MK Party in Wednesday’s elections.
Zuma previously served a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court after refusing to comply with a Constitutional Court order to appear before the State Capture Commission. His imprisonment in July 2021 triggered widespread unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
He also faces a long-running corruption case linked to the arms deal, with the trial expected to begin in 2027.