Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma and a prominent figure in the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of incitement to violence linked to the July 2021 riots.
The unrest, which erupted following her father’s arrest, resulted in over 350 deaths and widespread destruction across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. The riots were among the deadliest episodes of civil unrest in post-apartheid South Africa, with billions of rand in damages to infrastructure and businesses.
Zuma-Sambudla has vehemently denied the charges, labeling them as politically motivated. “This is nothing but a witch hunt by the current government to settle scores with my father and silence his supporters,” she stated outside the courthouse.
She has also vowed to take legal action against the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for what she calls “malicious prosecution.” Her legal team has accused the state of targeting her due to her high-profile role within the MK party, which has emerged as a significant political force in recent years.
Magistrate Irfaan Khalil ruled that there was no risk in granting her release on a warning, as prosecutors did not oppose bail. Zuma-Sambudla faces charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and incitement to commit violence.
The charges stem from social media posts allegedly urging unrest during the 2021 riots. An affidavit by the investigating officer claims that Zuma-Sambudla’s messages encouraged public violence and that authorities have gathered sufficient evidence against her.
