Ngobese-Zuma takes EFF MP Chirwa to court over Nhlamulo Sambo claims
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has filed a lawsuit against EFF MP Naledi Chirwa for defamation regarding claims that linked her movement to the death of a teenager. The legal action seeks a public apology and retraction of statements that allegedly falsely accused the movement of promoting xenophobic violence.
Why it matters
This case highlights the intersection of political rhetoric, social media accountability, and the legal limits of public discourse in South Africa.
The bitter fallout from the death of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo has escalated into a court battle after March and March movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma launched legal proceedings against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Naledi Chirwa accusing her of spreading defamatory allegations that falsely linked the movement and its leader to the teenager’s killing.
Court papers filed at the Johannesburg high court on July 21 show that Ngobese-Zuma is seeking an order compelling Chirwa to retract the allegedly defamatory statements, publish a written apology and provide a written undertaking that she will not repeat them.
She also wants the court to protect her rights to dignity, safety, security and reputation, arguing that the continued circulation of the posts has caused ongoing harm that cannot be adequately remedied by damages alone.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in