Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has appeared in the Durban High Court on charges of terrorism and incitement to violence in connection with the 2021 riots that left more than 300 people dead. Her prosecution marks a significant legal and political development in South Africa, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) moves forward with a case that could set a precedent for how social media activity is interpreted under the country’s anti-terrorism laws.
The 2021 riots, which erupted after Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment for contempt of court, led to widespread violence, looting, and destruction, particularly in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. More than 200 shopping malls were ransacked, major highways were blocked, and supply chains were severely disrupted, causing billions of rands in economic losses. The riots also resulted in the loss of over 150,000 jobs and were described by President Cyril Ramaphosa as an “attempted insurrection.” While a report by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) labeled the violence as a “carefully orchestrated event,” it did not establish a direct link between the riots and Zuma’s arrest.
Zuma-Sambudla, a senior member of the newly formed uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) party, is accused of using her social media accounts to incite unrest. Prosecutors claim that during the riots, she repeatedly shared images and videos of looting and destruction, often accompanied by captions such as “KZN, we see you.” In one now-deleted post, she reportedly shared a video of a person firing an automatic rifle at a poster of President Ramaphosa. Authorities allege that her online activity encouraged the violence and contributed to the chaos that unfolded across the country.
The Hawks, South Africa’s elite investigative unit, led the probe that resulted in Zuma-Sambudla’s arrest. She was charged under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, a law designed to combat acts of terrorism and incitement to violence. This case marks the first time in South Africa that an individual is being prosecuted for incitement to commit terrorism based on social media posts.
Appearing in court, Zuma-Sambudla stated that she intends to plead not guilty, arguing that there is no direct evidence linking her to the riots. Her father, Jacob Zuma, was present at the courtroom and denounced the charges as politically motivated, stating that authorities were targeting his family and the MK party. Addressing his supporters outside the courthouse, Zuma questioned the legitimacy of the case and accused the state of using the judiciary to suppress political opposition.
The charges against Zuma-Sambudla have deepened political divisions in South Africa. Her supporters, particularly members of the MK party, claim that the case is an attempt to silence political dissent ahead of future elections. Critics, however, argue that the state must hold all citizens accountable for inciting violence, regardless of their political affiliations. The case has also sparked debate over the role of social media in political activism and whether digital platforms should be more tightly regulated to prevent incitement to violence.
Legal experts believe this trial could have far-reaching implications for South Africa’s justice system and its approach to prosecuting digital incitement. If Zuma-Sambudla is convicted, it could set a precedent for holding individuals accountable for their online activity in ways not previously tested in South African law. The trial is being closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it raises fundamental questions about free speech, political influence, and the accountability of public figures in the digital age.
The case has been postponed to March 2025, with Zuma-Sambudla currently out on bail. If found guilty, she could face a lengthy prison sentence under South Africa’s anti-terrorism laws. As the legal proceedings continue, the case is expected to fuel further political tensions and shape the discourse around justice, governance, and the balance between freedom of expression and public safety in South Africa.
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