The Jacob Zuma Foundation accused South African authorities of politically motivated prosecution as Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, appeared in Durban High Court on Monday to face charges related to social media posts during the July 2021 civil disturbances. The two-week trial centers on allegations that Zuma-Sambudla incited terrorism and violence through online activity during unrest that killed hundreds and damaged the economy in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Prosecutors filed three counts against Zuma-Sambudla, including incitement to commit terrorism and violations of the 1956 Riotous Assemblies Act prohibiting illegal gatherings intended to provoke riots. The state contends she unlawfully encouraged others to assemble and commit violent acts between June and July 2021.
Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi characterized the charges as baseless and part of a decades-long pattern of weaponizing the criminal justice system against the Zuma family through selective institutional mobilization. Zuma-Sambudla appeared in court smiling despite facing the serious allegations.
Prosecutors filed three counts against Zuma-Sambudla, including incitement to commit terrorism and violations of the 1956 Riotous Assemblies Act prohibiting illegal gatherings intended to provoke riots. The state contends she unlawfully encouraged others to assemble and commit violent acts between June and July 2021.
Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi characterized the charges as baseless and part of a decades-long pattern of weaponizing the criminal justice system against the Zuma family through selective institutional mobilization. Zuma-Sambudla appeared in court smiling despite facing the serious allegations.
