Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Faces Legal Battle: A Deep Dive

Holifil

01 Apr, 2025

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has been released on a warning and is set to appear at the Durban High Court on March 20, 2025.
Jacob Zuma's daughter faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to commit public violence.
The charges are tied to social media posts she made during the July 2021 unrest following her father's arrest.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla insists the charges against her are politically motivated. Image: Elias Mbuwane Source: Getty Images

Let’s talk about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. She walked out of the Durban Magistrate’s Court on January 30, 2025, after being released on a warning. This isn’t just any court appearance—it’s part of a legal saga that has drawn national attention. Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, is facing some pretty serious charges, including incitement to commit terrorism and public violence. The root of all this? Social media posts she made during the unrest that rocked South Africa in July 2021, following her father’s arrest.

Now, let’s rewind. Back in 2021, the country saw widespread unrest, with looting and violence breaking out in several provinces. While many individuals were arrested and prosecuted, Zuma-Sambudla wasn’t among them—at least not initially. Fast forward to now, and she’s been charged and released on a warning, with a court date set for March 20, 2025, at the Durban High Court.

Her Side of the Story: Politically Motivated Charges?

In her affidavit, read out by Advocate Dali Mpofu, Zuma-Sambudla didn’t shy away from addressing the accusations. She admitted to sending some of the messages in question but argued that they were taken out of context. According to her, these charges aren’t about justice—they’re politically motivated. She claims the current administration is using this case as a weapon against her father, Jacob Zuma.

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She also raised an interesting point: why did it take almost four years for investigators to focus on her tweets? To her, this delay suggests that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is grasping at straws, trying to find something—anything—to pin on her family. It’s a bold accusation, one that has sparked debate across the nation.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is accused of celebrating the violence and destruction during the July 2021 unrest. Image: Rajesh Jantilal Source: Getty Images

The State’s Perspective: No Opposition to Bail

During the court proceedings, the State’s evidence was presented, and it revealed something unexpected: the investigating officer wasn’t opposed to granting Zuma-Sambudla bail. Why? Because they don’t see her as a flight risk. In fact, she voluntarily handed herself over to the police before her case even began, showing a willingness to cooperate. This level of cooperation, combined with the State’s lack of objection, led the magistrate to decide against imposing a bail amount, opting instead to release her on a warning.

It’s worth noting that this decision reflects trust in Zuma-Sambudla’s commitment to the legal process. The magistrate clearly believed that she would return for her trial, which is scheduled for March 20, 2025, at the Durban High Court.

Tweeting Through the Turmoil: The Basis of the Charges

The charges against Zuma-Sambudla are rooted in the controversial tweets she posted during the deadly unrest in July 2021. This period was marked by chaos, with over 350 lives lost and businesses suffering losses estimated at over R70 billion. Many of those involved in the looting later expressed regret, citing peer pressure as a driving factor.

Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan played a key role in this case. His report, which analyzed 65 tweets sent by Zuma-Sambudla on her X account between July 1 and July 13, 2021, forms the backbone of the charges. The State accuses her of celebrating the violence and destruction that unfolded during the unrest. It’s a heavy accusation, one that has sparked widespread discussion about the role of social media in modern-day conflicts.

A Look Back: One Instigator Sentenced

While Zuma-Sambudla’s case continues to unfold, it’s important to remember that others have already faced consequences for their roles in the unrest. One notable example is Mdumiseni Zuma, who was found guilty of inciting violence during the July 2021 unrest. He encouraged people to loot the Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg and was handed a 12-year sentence.

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South Africans took to social media to voice their opinions on the sentence, with many expressing satisfaction that justice was served. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that come with inciting violence, regardless of the circumstances.