News Desk Reporter
The criminal trial involving Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has taken another turn after the Durban High Court rejected her bid to be discharged without having to present a defence.
Zuma-Sambudla is the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, who is now the president and leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
She is accused of inciting violence during the July 2021 unrest. The violence erupted after her father was imprisoned for contempt of court following his refusal to appear before the State Capture Commission.
Protests over his imprisonment spread across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. They escalated into widespread looting, arson and destruction of property.
More than 350 people died during the unrest. The economic damage was estimated at R50 billion.
The State alleges that Zuma-Sambudla used her social media platforms to encourage and support the violence. Its case centres on posts and messages published between 29 June and 17 July 2021.
She faces one count of incitement to commit terrorism and two counts of incitement to commit public violence. She has denied the allegations.
Her legal team brought an application under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act after the State completed presenting its evidence.
The application, heard on 29 October, argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against her. The defence wanted her discharged without being called upon to answer to the charges.
The State opposed the application. It argued that the evidence presented during the trial was sufficient for the case to continue.
The court dismissed the application today, meaning Zuma-Sambudla will have to face the next stage of the proceedings.
Following the ruling, the defence closed its case without calling any witnesses.
The matter was postponed to 17 May 2027 for arguments.