Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, was released on a warning after appearing in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 January.
She faces three serious charges related to the July 2021 unrest, which led to widespread violence, destruction, and loss of life across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
The charges are:
- Incitement to commit the offence of terrorism
- Incitement to commit public violence
- Incitement to commit public violence (additional count)
Zuma-Sambudla is accused of using social media to encourage unrest, sharing videos and images of the violence with captions that allegedly promoted illegal activities.
The state argues that her posts were intended to threaten public order, unity, and the territorial integrity of the country.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
Bail Application and Court Proceedings
During the bail hearing, state prosecutor Yuri Gangai stated that the prosecution did not oppose bail because they had verified Zuma-Sambudla’s residential address and she was not considered a flight risk.
“She handed herself over willingly this morning (Thursday, 30 January). She went through the process. She is not a flight risk. We have assessed that,” Gangai told the court.
Zuma-Sambudla’s legal representative, Advocate Dali Mpofu, confirmed that his client had cooperated fully with authorities and that the arrest had been pre-arranged.
“The arrangement was that the investigating officer and I had first contact. The formal arrest was done according to that arrangement in the morning,” Mpofu said.
Mpofu also stated that Zuma-Sambudla intends to plead not guilty when the trial begins, arguing that the state has a weak case against her.
“She is aware of the rumors about the messages she sent on social media, and she does not deny sending some messages. However, she will plead not guilty,” Mpofu said.
He dismissed the case as a waste of time, pointing out that Zuma-Sambudla has no prior convictions or pending cases against her.
“The issue of the arrest was technical. It was simply processing, and she cooperated fully. She is not seriously aggrieved,” Mpofu added.
State’s Argument Against Zuma-Sambudla
The prosecution alleges that Zuma-Sambudla’s social media posts played a major role in fueling the July 2021 unrest.
According to the state’s case, she repeatedly posted videos and images of the riots with captions that allegedly encouraged acts of violence and public disorder.
Authorities believe that these posts helped instigate further destruction, making her one of the key figures responsible for the escalation of the chaos.
The prosecution has already completed its investigation, and the case is now being transferred to the High Court for trial.
Case Transferred to High Court
Magistrate Irfaan Khalil ruled that Zuma-Sambudla be released on warning, pending the official trial in the Durban High Court.
“The matter is now transferred to the Durban High Court on 20 March,” Khalil announced.
This means that Zuma-Sambudla will not be held in custody but is expected to attend all court proceedings.
If she fails to comply, she could face serious consequences, including arrest.
What Happens Next?
With the case now in the hands of the High Court, Zuma-Sambudla will have to formally enter her plea and prepare for trial.
Legal experts believe that the trial will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how social media is used in politically charged situations.
The July 2021 unrest was one of the most violent episodes in South Africa’s recent history, with more than 350 people losing their lives and billions of rands in damages.
The prosecution aims to prove that Zuma-Sambudla’s social media activity directly contributed to the chaos and that she should be held accountable for her alleged role in inciting public violence and terrorism.
Meanwhile, Zuma-Sambudla’s legal team maintains that she is being unfairly targeted and will fight to clear her name in court.
As the March 20 trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the Durban High Court, where the legal battle over Zuma-Sambudla’s social media posts and their impact on the 2021 riots will finally unfold.