MK MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Pleads Not Guilty to Terrorism-Related Charges
By Chilis Suzan Zukwa: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges stemming from her alleged role in inciting violence during the July 2021 riots. The 43-year-old parliamentarian, representing her father’s party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), appeared before the Durban High Court, where she faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and public violence.
The prosecution alleges that Zuma-Sambudla used social media to encourage violence, citing posts she made during the unrest, including images with inflammatory captions. The state claims her actions contributed to the deaths of over 300 people and caused approximately R50 billion in damages.
Zuma-Sambudla’s lawyer has dismissed the charges as “baseless and politically motivated,” echoing the Jacob Zuma Foundation’s claims that the state is targeting the former president’s family. The trial, expected to last two weeks, has sparked significant political tension, with MK party members present in court to support Zuma-Sambudla ¹ ² ³.
The case is part of a broader investigation into the 2021 unrest, which began as protests against Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment and escalated into widespread looting and violence
