Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s Trial Highlights 164 WhatsApp Groups Linked to July 2021 Unrest
The Durban High Court heard on Monday that 164 WhatsApp groups played a key role in coordinating and inciting violence during the July 2021 unrest, which was sparked by former President Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment. The state presented this evidence during the first day of Zuma-Sambudla’s trial, where she faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and public violence.
According to the prosecution, these WhatsApp groups, some of which were created before Zuma’s arrest, transmitted instructions and coordinated actions between national and local participants. The state identified eight main groups responsible for providing direction, leadership, and encouraging violent protests and looting.
The groups included “Zuma Real Activists 100%” with 334 participants, “INK Shutdown” with 84 participants, and “eThekwini Shutdown” with 316 participants. The state argued that these groups demonstrated clear coordination between national and provincial levels, with instructions being passed down to individuals on the ground.
Zuma-Sambudla’s lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, did not object to the evidence being presented. However, he has maintained that the charges against his client are baseless and politically motivated.
The trial is expected to last two weeks and has sparked significant public and political interest, reigniting debates over accountability for the July 2021 unrest, which left over 350 people dead and caused billions of rands in economic damage.
