News24 has launched a scathing attack on March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, publishing an editorial titled “Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is a threat to democracy. She must be stopped” and announcing its intention to open criminal charges against her.
The publication’s criticism comes amid growing tensions between the media organisation and the activist, whose March and March movement has become increasingly vocal on immigration and other national issues.
In its editorial, News24 accuses Ngobese-Zuma and her movement of spreading misinformation, targeting democratic institutions and contributing to an increasingly hostile environment for journalists and vulnerable communities.
One of the most serious developments is the publication’s claim that it intends to pursue criminal charges against Ngobese-Zuma following an alleged incident involving investigative journalist Khaya Koko.
News24 says journalist received death threats
According to the publication, Koko approached Ngobese-Zuma for comment as part of his reporting before she allegedly published his cellphone number on her social media platforms.
News24 claims that the journalist subsequently received death threats from individuals it describes as her followers.
The publication says it intends to open criminal charges against Ngobese-Zuma over the incident, escalating the dispute beyond public criticism and into a potential legal confrontation.
Whether charges are formally laid, and what evidence is presented, will determine how the matter proceeds. News24’s stated intention to open a case should not be confused with a criminal charge already having been filed or a finding of guilt.
News24’s broader criticism of March and March
The editorial also takes aim at the movement’s response to a Constitutional Court ruling concerning the treatment of asylum seekers by the Department of Home Affairs.
News24 alleges that Ngobese-Zuma spread misinformation about the judgment and criticises the movement’s activities amid tensions surrounding immigration.
The publication further argues that the movement’s confrontations have extended beyond government policy to include politicians, judges and journalists.
These are allegations and assessments presented by News24. Their accuracy and the extent of any individual’s responsibility for specific incidents must be evaluated on the available evidence.
The R12 million contract inquiry
Separately, News24 journalist Khaya Koko contacted Ngobese-Zuma seeking comment on approximately R12 million in state contracts reportedly received by her and her husband, Xolani Zuma.
In his WhatsApp message, Koko questioned how the reported contracts aligned with Ngobese-Zuma’s stated intention, through March and March and the SA First Forum, to pursue legal action against the government.
He indicated that he would provide a breakdown of the amount.
The inquiry adds another dimension to the scrutiny surrounding the activist. However, the message alone does not establish wrongdoing, and the details of the contracts and Ngobese-Zuma’s response are necessary to assess the claims fairly.
A dispute that could move beyond headlines
News24’s editorial reflects a sharp public confrontation between the publication and the March and March leader. Its stated intention to open criminal charges introduces the possibility of a legal dispute over the alleged publication of the journalist’s contact details and the threats that reportedly followed.
The next significant development will be whether the publication formally lays a criminal complaint and whether authorities take further action.
