KEY POINTS
- Zuma-Sambudla faces charges for allegedly inciting violence during the riots.
- Prosecutors claim her social media posts encouraged unrest in July 2021.
- The riots caused 350 deaths and billions in economic losses.
The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, was charged on Thursday with inciting violence during the fatal 2021 riots that left over 300 people dead and caused extensive damage.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla faces court over 2021 riot incitement
Zuma-Sambudla was accused of inciting public violence while being an outspoken advocate for her father. After Zuma was imprisoned for not testifying at a corruption investigation, prosecutors claim she used social media messages in July 2021 to incite violence.
According to her attorney, she plans to enter a plea of not guilty to the accusations.
Anger over Zuma’s incarceration served as the initial catalyst for the protests, which swiftly turned into widespread rioting, looting, and property destruction. Among the greatest acts of violence South Africa has witnessed since the end of apartheid, the upheaval was stoked by long-standing resentment over poverty and economic injustice. According to authorities, thousands of shops were plundered or damaged, and around 350 people were killed.
The riots caused significant disruptions to infrastructure, governmental services, and supply lines, with an estimated economic impact of 50 billion rand ($2.7 billion).
The now 81-year-old Jacob Zuma went to the Durban Magistrates’ Court with his daughter, where she was released on a warning until her next court date in March.
Zuma has returned to politics since serving his contempt of court term in 2022, supporting the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party, which saw notable victories in the national election last year. The African National Congress (ANC), which Zuma previously led, saw a sharp drop in support after the party gained 58 parliamentary seats. In order to stay in power, the ANC was compelled to form a coalition with a number of smaller parties.
Zuma-Sambudla is now a member of the lower house of parliament in South Africa as a MK lawmaker.
