Jacob Zuma responds to claims he could be arrested ahead of elections

Former president and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma has addressed speculation that he could be arrested, telling supporters he does not know why he would be targeted.

Zuma spoke at the party’s final election rally at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, north of Durban, on Sunday, 1 November, as political parties made their final push ahead of the local government elections on Wednesday, 4 November.

The 84-year-old also sought to reassure supporters about his health, making his first in-person public appearance since being discharged from hospital on 17 October.

Although Zuma said he had heard reports suggesting plans were being made to arrest him, he did not name anyone allegedly behind the claims or explain what he believed could lead to his arrest.

“Some are claiming that I might be arrested. My question is, why would I be arrested? What have I done? I don’t know,” he told the crowd.

Zuma addresses health concerns

Zuma’s appearance came after weeks away from public campaign events following his hospital admission in Pietermaritzburg.

He was admitted to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital on 6 October after falling ill during an MK Party campaign event in uMsinga, northern KwaZulu-Natal. He spent 11 days at the facility before being discharged on 17 October.

The party described his hospital stay as routine, saying medical staff had identified fatigue and recommended rest under medical supervision.

At Sunday’s rally, Zuma pushed back against concerns about his condition and urged supporters not to be troubled by reports about his health.

“Don’t worry about what you have heard being said about my health. Some people are ill-natured and have their own intentions. I don’t care about them,” he said.

He also reflected on a previous experience in which he travelled after being called by fellow party members, saying that although something had happened, it was not a major issue.

“You can all see me. There can be people who think differently, but no. I am myself and will keep being so until the end,” he added.

Zuma did not provide further medical details during the address.

MK Party steps up its election campaign

Before his appearance at the rally, Zuma had also featured in a video message released by the MK Party on Friday evening, in which he encouraged voters to support the party in the 4 November local government elections.

His return to the campaign trail comes as the party seeks to build on the support it secured during its first electoral outing in the 2024 national and provincial elections.

The MK Party, which broke away from the African National Congress (ANC), emerged as South Africa’s third-largest political party in those elections.

Zuma remains the party’s central political figure, with his public appearances and campaign messages playing a prominent role in its efforts to expand its presence in municipalities.

Zuma remains a key figure in South African politics

Zuma served as South Africa’s president from 2009 until 2018, when he resigned following sustained pressure from within the ANC amid a series of corruption scandals.

Since leaving office, he has remained an influential and often controversial figure in the country’s political landscape.

His comments about a possible arrest come at a crucial moment for the MK Party, which is seeking to translate its national electoral support into stronger representation at municipal level.

While Zuma has publicly acknowledged hearing the claims, he has not provided evidence of a specific plan to arrest him, and no details about the alleged circumstances were given at Sunday’s rally.