nkandla saps bheki cele eff

Police trying to control the crowd in Nkandla.

Photo: Screenshot

Zuma latest: Thousands descend on Nkandla ahead of address

With former President Jacob Zuma set to address the nation on Sunday evening, thousands of his supporters have made their way to Nkandla.

nkandla saps bheki cele eff

Police trying to control the crowd in Nkandla.

Photo: Screenshot

A standoff has ensued between police and thousands of people who have descended on Nkandla on Sunday in support of former President Jacob Zuma, who is set to address the nation this afternoon as he faces spending 15-months behind bars. 

The N2 highway coming into Nkandla  is currently backed up as thousands of supporters – led by ANC branches in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) – make their way to Zuma’s home, and police have confirmed that they are investigating the gatherings which are sure to flout COVID-19 lockdown regulations

Zuma supporters descend on Nkandla  

Zuma supporters entered the Nkandla residence wielding spears and knobkerries, with reports emerging that gunshots had rung out earlier in the day. Despite this, police are yet to intervene. 

Criticism for police in the area has been widespread, with many questioning the South African Police Service (SAPS) and their motivation to enforce lockdown laws. SAPS spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said on Sunday that police are keeping an eye on things though. 

“Police are investigating these alleged contraventions of the COVID-19 regulations,” she said.

“Of course the police ministry views this in a very serious light and we would want to get answers from the police on the ground in the province.”

Later on Sunday, a police presence was very evident near Nkandla, with police forming a barricade on the N2 to prevent more people joining the mass crowds already gathering at Nkandla. 

Former President avoids jail time… for now  

Zuma was meant to hand himself over to authorities on Sunday, successfully applied for a stay of execution of the order for his arrest following his conviction and sentencing to 15 months in jail  for contempt of Court in the Constitutional court. 

He also filed an application in the Constitutional Court for the rescission of its contempt of court order against him. He has asked the Pietermaritzburg High Court for a stay of execution of the order for his arrest pending he outcome of his rescission application. 

He will address the nation at 18:00 this evening, having met with his legal team and various members of government, including Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and ANC stalwart Tony Yengeni.