March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has opened a criminal case after a man allegedly posted a threatening message on social media calling for her to be raped and killed.
The post was allegedly published on the man’s Facebook profile earlier this week but has since been removed.
Ngobese-Zuma opened a case against the individual at Durban Central Police Station on Tuesday.
The alleged threat has drawn condemnation from the African National Congress (ANC), which says there can be no justification for inciting violence against any individual.
In a statement, the party condemned the remarks in the strongest possible terms, saying they were contrary to its values and political culture.
The ANC said there could be no political, personal or ideological justification for calls for rape, murder or any other form of violence.
The party has called on law enforcement authorities to investigate the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the social media post.
The ANC also said that should the individual be found to be a member of the organisation, the matter should be referred to its internal disciplinary structures for appropriate action.
The case comes amid continued calls for political parties and public figures to reject threats and incitement to violence, particularly against women.