MK Party MP and Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, is expected to return to the Durban High Court today to face terrorism and public violence charges related to the 2021 July unrest.

Charges and allegations

According to The Witness, Zuma-Sambudla (42) was formally charged in January with incitement to commit terrorism and two counts of incitement to commit public violence. She has denied the charges.

The state alleges that between June 29 and July 17, 2021, primarily in KZN and Gauteng, she used social media posts to incite others to commit acts of violence and terrorism.

NPA Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga explained: “The state alleges that she unlawfully incited, instigated, or procured others to disturb public peace and violate the rights of others through her social media messages.”

Court proceedings

State prosecutor advocate Yuri Gangai said she voluntarily surrendered to police after being informed of the charges, adding that she was granted a ‘comfortable and unimposing’ arrest process.

Magistrate Irfaan Khalil declined to set bail, instead releasing her on warning. The matter has been transferred to the Durban High Court.

During her bail hearing, Zuma-Sambudla claimed the case was politically motivated. She questioned why the state took over three years to prosecute her if she was responsible for the July 2021 unrest, which led to at least 350 deaths, caused R50b in economic damage, and left nearly two million people jobless.

In her affidavit, she denied the charges, asserting that her social media posts did not incite violence. She described the case as ‘malicious and politically motivated’, adding: The fact that it has taken the NPA four years to bring these charges indicates a weak case.”

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