🔗 Share this article

The child of previous South African Head of State Jacob G Zuma has denied all charges to terrorism-related accusations at the commencement of her court case in the coastal city of Durban city.

The defendant, 43, is being tried over statements she published on social media in the past during deadly unrest in South Africa that followed the detention of her dad.

A period of anarchy in various areas of the country in July 2021, including plundering and intentional burning, resulted in at least three hundred deceased and resulted in damage worth an estimated 2.8 billion dollars (£2.2bn).

The defendant has been alleged of fuelling this violence and is charged with charges of encouragement to commit terror acts and civil unrest.

Background of the Case

The protests were centered in the areas of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal and were triggered by the previous president's detention for ignoring a court order to give evidence at an investigation into allegations of impropriety while he was holding office.

Ms Zuma-Sambudla has always denied the charges against her, with her legal representative previously calling the government's evidence as insufficient.

She has also consistently said the charges against her were an bid to address political grievances with her dad after he established his own party and competed against the ruling party.

Backing and Court Representation

This was supported by the foundation, which stated the proceedings was an "power abuse" and a "coordinated attempt" of "political and familial targeting" against the former president and his relatives.

A small number of backers from her party, uMkhonto weSizwe, appeared outside the KwaZulu-Natal high court, while her father and other group representatives attended the hearings inside.

The defense has maintained that the evidence presented by government lawyers is unconvincing and lacks compelling grounds for a conviction.

Central Elements of the Trial

• Online posts from four years ago form the basis of the government's evidence
• Violent demonstrations in July 2021 resulted in major deaths and economic losses
• The accused is charged with multiple allegations of encouragement to violence
• Legal trials are projected to continue for numerous court sessions

The court case continues as all parties present their cases before the court in what is expected to be a highly monitored judicial process with substantial policy ramifications for South Africa.