Foreign National Arrested After Alleged Death Threat Against Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, SA Voices Concern
- A foreign national was arrested at the Durban Refugee Centre on Moore Road after allegedly threatening the life of Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma
- The suspect was in a queue to apply for asylum documentation when he was overheard making the alleged threat to fellow foreign nationals
- South Africans weighed in on the arrest, with many sharing concern and others questioning what would happen to thye foreign national
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Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
KWAZULU-NATAL — A foreign national was arrested in Durban after he was allegedly overheard telling fellow countrymen that they should find a way to have Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the leader of the March and March Movement, killed.
The incident was reported on Wednesday, 7 October 2025, by @ZANewsFlash. The man was standing in a queue at the Durban Refugee Centre on Moore Road at the time. He had reportedly presented himself as an asylum seeker seeking documentation.
Authorities acted quickly after the alleged threat was overheard. The man was detained at the scene and is expected to face formal charges in connection with the incident.
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Crowds gather at Durban Refugee Centre
His presence at the centre is linked to a broader Home Affairs directive, which implements a July 2026 Constitutional Court ruling that previously allowed immigration status or manner of entry into South Africa to disqualify a person from having an asylum application considered.
Under the new directive, every refugee reception office is required to receive anyone who presents themselves in person and expresses an intention to apply for asylum, including those who entered the country unlawfully or outside a port of entry.
How did South Africans react?
The news drew significant reaction on social media, with several users expressing scepticism about whether the justice system would act firmly.
@khanyiqondani8 wrote:
"The courts will find nothing wrong and release him."
@Maphilela45 said:
"The government and constitutional court judges call them asylum seekers and refugees."
@TKealogile raised procedural questions, writing:
"Who heard him, as they mostly converse in their mother tongue? Is he going to be charged with conspiracy to commit murder? He was simply sharing his plan to commit but did not actually plan the crime. We'll wait and see."
@BanothileMabida said:
"I pray to God to protect this young woman who's hated for fighting for our country."
@Lady_SiaK directed her frustration at international bodies, writing:
"UNHumanRights - Are you happy now? Are these the people that you are forcing South Africans to live with?"
No official statement had been issued by the South African Police Service or the Department of Home Affairs at the time the report was published.
African National Congress member faces criminal charges over threats
Briefly News reported that Ngobese-Zuma opened a criminal case at Durban Central Police Station against Sello Lemonka Gemba.
The African National Congress member had doubled down on his remarks, which were a threat against the March and March leader.
The ANC condemned the social media posts as vile and launched an internal inquiry to verify Gemba's membership status.
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Source: Briefly News
