Zuma’s Daughter, Duduzile, Charged with Inciting V...

Zuma’s Daughter, Duduzile, Charged with Inciting Violence During 2021 Riots

Zim Now Writer

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges of inciting violence during the 2021 riots that resulted in over 300 deaths.

Zuma-Sambudla's lawyer confirmed that she would plead not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutors claim that she encouraged acts of violence through social media posts in July 2021, during the unrest that erupted after her father was arrested for failing to comply with a court order to testify at a corruption inquiry.

The violence, initially sparked by anger over Zuma's imprisonment, escalated due to frustration over poverty and inequality. It led to widespread looting, extensive damage to public infrastructure, and the deaths of nearly 350 people. The financial toll from the riots was estimated at 50 billion rand (US$2.70 billion).

Jacob Zuma accompanied his daughter to court in Durban, where she was released on a warning until her next court appearance in March.

Since his contempt of court sentence ended in 2022, Zuma has supported the creation of a new political party, uMkhonto we Sizwe, which played a significant role in disrupting the 2024 national elections.

MK secured 58 parliamentary seats, contributing to a sharp decline in support for the African National Congress, which Zuma once led.

As a result, the ANC was forced into a coalition with several smaller parties. Zuma-Sambudla now serves as one of MK's lawmakers in the lower house of parliament.