No, former President Zuma is not in the Epstein files

Claims that former President Jacob Zuma dined with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in London in 2010 have been widely circulated, but investigative reports and correspondence analysis suggest these claims are unsubstantiated. The allegations appear to be based on speculation rather than documented evidence.

The alleged dinner is said to have taken place on March 5, 2010, at the five star Ritz Hotel in London. However it is highly unlikely that Epstein could have traveled internationally at that time. Epstein had been released from jail in Florida on July 22, 2009, and was placed on a one-year probation and house arrest, which  lasted until August 2010. During this period, he was required to remain under strict supervision and travel outside the United States was prohibited. This makes it improbable that he could have attended any social events in London in early 2010.

Additional evidence comes from correspondence involving Mark Lloyd, who is said to have hosted the dinner. In an email sent to Epstein on March 6, 2010, the day after the alleged event, Lloyd discusses aspects of a gathering and later asks Epstein, “When are you coming to London? Can you travel yet or are restrictions for that still in place?” The email directly references Epstein’s restricted travel status, meaning that he was not in London at the time.

SABC Correspondent to the United Nations Sherwin Bryce-Pease went to X, formerly known as twitter, to say: "As we have been reporting, it is highly unlikely that Jeffrey Epstein was in London during former President Jacob Zuma's State visit to the UK as he had been released from jail on 22 July 2009 and was placed on a one year probation & house arrest in Florida until August 2010. The alleged dinner which is ventilated in the Epstein files took place on Friday March 5th 2010 at the Ritz in London."

The United States Department of Justice recently made public more than three million pages of records, including emails, images, and videos, as part of a transparency process ordered by Congress. The documents relate to Epstein’s activities, contacts, and finances before his death in a New York jail in 2019.

The latest release has sparked international scrutiny, particularly in Europe, where the fallout has included official resignations and renewed investigations. In Norway, a senior diplomat stepped down after links to Epstein emerged, prompting a police investigation into possible financial and ethical breaches.

In the United Kingdom, the files have revived attention on Epstein’s past relationships with prominent figures. British police are reviewing claims related to communications involving Epstein and individuals connected to government and royal circles. Senior members of the royal family have issued statements expressing concern about the ongoing revelations and reaffirming support for victims.

Despite the scale of the disclosure, U.S. officials have cautioned that the documents do not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing by everyone named. The Justice Department has said many references in the files reflect social or professional contact rather than evidence of illegal activity. Officials added that most of the material does not meet the legal threshold required to bring new prosecutions.

Survivors of Epstein’s abuse have welcomed the release but say more transparency is needed. Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking involving minors. He died by suicide while awaiting trial, and his death brought an end to the criminal case against him. Several civil lawsuits connected to his estate and associates are still ongoing.

In South Africa, The Jacob Zuma foundation's spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi denied any links between Zuma and Epstein.

"The attempt to smear President Zuma by proximity to the unrelated crimes of a third party is unethical, irresponsible and intellectually dishonest.

"The Jacob Zuma Foundation will not participate in speculative narrative-building disguised as investigative journalism, the matter is closed" Manyi said.