The SAPS have been criticized for failing to beef up its presence in Nkandla.

Hundreds of supporters have been gathering outside former president Zuma’s Nkandla homestead to show their support for him amid his legal battles.

The police ministry says investigations on the mass gatherings in Nkandla are ongoing. It’s calling for answers from police in KwaZulu-Natal.

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

“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.”

Themba urged those gathering outside Nkandla to adhere to the regulations.

Meanwhile, policing specialist Eldred de Klerk said police run the risk of being seen as selective in enforcing the law.

as selective in enforcing the law.

“Police should have been out there all the way through the night, managing the flow of people coming there,” De Klerk said.

Meanwhile, hands-Off-Zuma delegation is making its way to Nkandla ahead of former President Jacob Zuma’s briefing on Sunday evening at 6pm.

Supporters have come out in their numbers from across the country to stand with Zuma.

The Constitutional Court has agreed to hear his application to have the order against him rescinded.  

On Tuesday, the apex court ordered Zuma to be imprisoned for 15 months for contempt of court. He had ignored its order to testify at the state capture inquiry.

His supporters have been camped outside his home, with one man insisting he would not leave until he knew Zuma was safe.

“The reason I am here is that I love Zuma,” one supporter told APF.

“When he was in leadership we had no electricity problems, there was no lockdown or COVID-19.”