Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, has pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting violence during the 2021 riots that left over 300 people dead.
The violence erupted in July 2021 after her father was jailed for refusing to testify in a corruption case, sparking days of looting and unrest that caused damage worth about 50 billion rand (around 2.9 billion dollars).
Zuma-Sambudla appeared at the Durban High Court on Monday as her trial officially began. Prosecutors accused her of using social media to encourage others to commit acts of violence during the riots.
Her father, Jacob Zuma, attended the hearing to show support, sitting with members of his political group, Mkhonto we Sizwe (MK). The party, which he formed after leaving the African National Congress (ANC), played a major role in last year’s national election, drawing votes away from the ANC.
The court is expected to hear testimony from witnesses and review social media evidence in the coming days.
