🔗 Share this article

The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma has denied all charges to terror-linked accusations at the commencement of her trial in the harbor city of Durban.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, 43 years old, is being prosecuted over statements she published on online platforms four years ago during violent demonstrations in South Africa that followed the arrest of her parent.

A week of chaos in multiple regions of the country in the summer of 2021, including looting and fire-setting, resulted in at least 300 deceased and resulted in damage worth an projected $2.8 billion (£2.2bn).

She has been charged of fuelling this violence and faces accusations of incitement to commit terror-related activities and public disorder.

Background of the Legal Matter

The demonstrations were concentrated in the provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal province and were triggered by the former president's apprehension for defying a judicial ruling to appear as a witness at an inquiry into claims of graft while he was serving as president.

The defendant has always rejected the accusations against her, with her lawyer previously labelling the state's legal argument as unsubstantiated.

She has also repeatedly claimed the accusations against her were an attempt to address political disputes with her parent after he started his own party and competed against the African National Congress.

Endorsement and Court Representation

This was echoed by the Zuma foundation, which claimed the case was an "power abuse" and a "systematic campaign" of "politically motivated and familial persecution" against the previous head of state and his kin.

A handful of supporters from her political organization, the political party, gathered outside the provincial high court, while her parent and other organization officials participated in the hearings inside.

Her legal team has maintained that the testimony presented by the state is insufficient and fails to provide substantial proof for a guilty verdict.

Central Elements of the Case

• Digital statements from 2019 form the basis of the prosecution's evidence
• Fatal unrest in recent years resulted in significant deaths and monetary damage
• The individual on trial is charged with multiple charges of incitement to violence
• Judicial proceedings are projected to carry on for several weeks

The court case continues as all parties present their evidence before the court in what is projected to be a highly monitored judicial process with significant politically charged implications for South Africa.