ANC condemns alleged social media calls for rape and murder of Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma

The African National Congress (ANC) has condemned alleged social media remarks calling for the rape and killing of Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma, after the March and March leader opened a criminal case over the comments at Durban Central Police Station.

Case opened after alleged remarks

According to reporting, Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma opened a case against Sello Lemonka Gemba at Durban Central Police Station on Tuesday in response to alleged social media remarks targeting her.

ANC response and condemnation

The ANC said the comments had been attributed to Gemba, who is described in the report as being purported to be an ANC supporter, and that he had subsequently indicated that he stood by the remarks.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said that if the remarks were accurately attributed to Gemba, they were “vile, reprehensible and wholly incompatible” with the party’s values, traditions and political culture.

“There can never be political, personal or ideological justification for incitement to rape, murder or any form of violence against another person,” Bhengu said.

Calls for investigation and internal action

The ANC rejected any attempt to associate such conduct with the movement or to use purported support for the party as a shield for violent, misogynistic or criminal rhetoric. The party said whatever disagreements might exist between Gemba and Ngobese‑Zuma could not justify or excuse language allegedly calling for her rape or killing.

The ANC called on law‑enforcement authorities to investigate the allegations “without fear, favour or prejudice” and said that where the evidence establishes criminal conduct, authorities should act decisively in accordance with the law.

The party also said that if it is established that Gemba was an ANC member, the organisation’s internal processes must also take their course, and it distanced itself unequivocally from the alleged remarks.

Context on social media and violence

The ANC described the alleged conduct as particularly reprehensible in a society confronting the persistent scourge of gender‑based violence and femicide, and warned that “social media is not a lawless space, and freedom of expression cannot be distorted into a licence to threaten, intimidate or incite violence.”

In its statement, the party called on its members and supporters to uphold human dignity, non‑sexism, non‑violence and respect for the rule of law.