Rumours that Fees Must Fall leader Mcebo Dlamini has been re-arrested are false, police said on Wednesday.

“The SAPS would like to place on record that Mr Mcebo Dlamini was not arrested and/or detained at any police station in Gauteng or in any other province today,” acting national commissioner, General Khomotso Phahlane, said in a statement.

It was unfortunate that rumours of Dlamini’s arrest were spread on social and mainstream media.

Dlamini claimed he had been arrested in an SMS he apparently sent to a radio show producer, Phahlane said.

“This has led to several police members having to dedicate – and waste – their time on establishing beyond doubt that he had not been arrested or detained on any charge relating to the [Fees Must Fall] student protest or otherwise.”

He said a police spokesperson had told several journalists that they had no knowledge of his arrest.

“It would seem that there has been a deliberate attempt to cast the [police] in a negative light by an individual or individuals who clearly have an agenda.

“Those who have been economical with the truth should be exposed.”

The High Court in Palm Ridge released Dlamini on R2 000 bail last Wednesday. He was charged with violating a court order, public violence, assault, theft and damage to property following his arrest on October 16.