Duduzile Zuma trial looms over deadly July 2021 riots

Duduzile

Durban – The case against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has been declared trial-ready, with proceedings in her July 2021 unrest matter scheduled to take place from November 10 to 21, 2025, at the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) High Court in Durban.

Zuma-Sambudla faces charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA), including Incitement to Commit Terrorism and two counts of Incitement to Commit Public Violence.

These charges stem from allegations that she used social media to incite the widespread unrest and violence that erupted in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July 2021, following the arrest of her father, former President Jacob Zuma.

Appearing in court on Thursday for a pre-trial hearing, Zuma-Sambudla was informed that the state is prepared to proceed with its case and plans to call eight witnesses, including three social media experts, to testify.

Her defence, led by Advocate Dali Mpofu, has indicated its intention to file representations to National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi to review and overturn the decision to indict her.

A prior request to KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Elaine Zungu to drop the charges was already rejected.

Zuma-Sambudla was previously released on a warning after voluntarily handing herself over at the Durban Central Police Station earlier this year. Her case was initially heard in the Durban Magistrate’s Court before being transferred to the High Court in March.

According to the charge sheet, Zuma-Sambudla allegedly used her X (formerly Twitter) account, which has over 360,000 followers, to incite and support acts of violence, looting, arson, road blockades, and other offences.

The state claims she shared posts condemning her father’s arrest and reposted images and videos depicting the chaos, which allegedly fuelled unrest.

The July 2021 riots, which are considered one of the most violent episodes in post-apartheid South Africa, resulted in over 350 deaths and caused economic losses estimated at more than R50 billion. The trial is expected to draw significant public and media attention due to its connection to these devastating events.

The state has indicated its readiness to prosecute, while Zuma-Sambudla’s defence is expected to mount a vigorous challenge to the allegations.

The trial proceedings later this year will provide a pivotal moment in determining accountability for the unrest that rocked the nation

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