Johannesburg, February 1, 2026 – Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been named in a batch of documents released by the United States Department of Justice related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The files, unsealed on January 23, 2026, include over 3 million pages of records from Epstein’s estate and associated legal proceedings.
The references to Zuma appear in a series of emails dated March 2010, during his official state visit to the United Kingdom. Zuma served as South Africa’s president from 2009 to 2018 and undertook the three-day visit from March 3 to March 5, 2010, at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II. The emails detail arrangements for a private dinner held at the Ritz Hotel in London on the evening of March 5, 2010.
One email, sent on March 4, 2010, by Mark Lloyd, who is identified in the correspondence as an associate assisting Epstein, states: “I have been asked to help arrange a small dinner tomorrow night for President Jacob Zuma of South Africa at the Ritz Hotel at 7pm.” The message was addressed to a woman named Vera, and subsequent communications discuss inviting a Russian model to the event to “add glamour.” A follow-up email describes the model’s positive impression on the attendees, including Zuma.
The dinner attendees included Zuma, his wife at the time, Thobeka Madiba-Zuma, the Russian model, and other individuals connected to Epstein’s circle. The event took place on the final day of Zuma’s state visit, which involved official engagements such as meetings at Buckingham Palace. By 2010, Epstein had already been convicted in 2008 on charges related to procuring a minor for prostitution in Florida, serving 13 months in custody under a plea deal.
The documents do not contain any allegations of criminal activity, misconduct, or wrongdoing on Zuma’s part. Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, was known for his connections to high-profile figures in politics, business, and entertainment. The latest release of files stems from ongoing civil litigation linked to Epstein’s network, including lawsuits involving his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 on sex trafficking charges.
In response to the reports, the Jacob Zuma Foundation issued a statement denouncing the references as an “attempt to smear” the former president’s reputation. The foundation emphasized that it would not tolerate such efforts and declined to engage further on the matter. Zuma, now 83, has faced various legal challenges in South Africa, including corruption trials related to arms deals from the 1990s, but none connected to the Epstein documents.
The release of these files has prompted discussions in South African media and online platforms, with some noting the timing coincides with other domestic political developments. However, the emails remain the sole point of reference to Zuma in the disclosed materials. The US Department of Justice has indicated that portions of the files were redacted to exclude sensitive content, including images depicting death, physical abuse, or injury.
Tragic Collision on N2 Claims Five Lives in uMtubatuba
uMtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal – A devastating road accident on the N2 highway has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including four adults and one child, following a collision between a light passenger vehicle and a heavy-duty truck. The incident occurred in the Manandi area within the Inkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality, as confirmed by provincial authorities.
The crash, which took place on January 30, 2026, involved a Corsa sedan and a tipper truck. According to reports from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the impact led to immediate fatalities at the scene. In addition to the deceased, two other people sustained serious injuries and were transported for medical treatment.
Provincial officials have initiated coordinated response efforts. RTI personnel are collaborating with local disaster management teams from the Inkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality to manage the aftermath, including clearing the roadway to restore traffic flow. This joint operation aims to minimize disruptions on the busy N2 route, which serves as a critical artery for travel in the region.
In a statement released from Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, highlighted the gravity of the event. The department has pledged support for the affected families, with a dedicated team assigned to provide assistance during this difficult time. Condolences have been extended to the bereaved, and well-wishes offered for the recovery of the injured.
To determine the cause of the accident, an official investigation has been launched. This probe will involve the RTI, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The collaboration seeks to examine factors such as vehicle conditions, road safety compliance, and potential contributing elements like weather or driver error, though no preliminary findings have been disclosed yet.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about road safety on the N2, a highway known for high traffic volumes and occasional heavy vehicle involvement. Provincial transport authorities emphasize the importance of adherence to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.
For further information, contact Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, at 082 375 4742.
The investigation remains ongoing, with updates expected as more details emerge.
Fatal Collision on N3 Highway Claims One Life, Injures Twelve Others
Pietermaritzburg – A tragic accident on the N3 Durban-bound highway near the Camperdown offramp resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services from ALS Paramedics were dispatched shortly after 1:30 p.m. to the scene, located just outside Pietermaritzburg. Upon arrival, responders encountered a chaotic situation involving a collision between two vehicles: a bakkie carrying passengers and another vehicle.
According to reports from the scene, the impact caused the bakkie to lose control, leading it to roll over and eject its occupants onto the busy national highway. The severity of the incident prompted an immediate call for additional ambulances to handle the high number of casualties.
The driver of the bakkie, a man in his forties, suffered severe injuries. Paramedics with advanced life support capabilities attempted to stabilize him on site, but he subsequently experienced cardiac arrest. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In addition to the driver, twelve other individuals from the bakkie sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Due to the absence of supporting ambulances from other services, ALS Paramedics managed the entire transport operation. They dispatched vehicles from distant locations, including Durban Central, to ensure all injured parties were conveyed to nearby government hospitals for further treatment.
The exact sequence of events preceding the crash remains unclear at this time. Officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) responded to the incident and are conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the cause.
This stretch of the N3 highway is a major route connecting key areas in KwaZulu-Natal, and such accidents highlight the ongoing risks associated with high-speed travel and vehicle overcrowding. Authorities have not released further details on the condition of the injured or the status of the other vehicle’s occupants, pending the completion of their inquiries.
The incident underscores the critical role of rapid emergency response in multi-casualty scenarios, where timely intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes. ALS Paramedics’ efforts ensured that the surviving victims received prompt care despite the logistical challenges posed by the remote location and limited immediate resources.
