Former president and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader Jacob Zuma is set to take the stand in defence of his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who is on trial for her alleged role in inciting the deadly July 2021 unrest.
Zuma-Sambudla’s trial began this week in the Durban High Court, where she faces three counts of incitement to commit terrorism and two counts of incitement to commit public violence.
– Advertisement –
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Malusi Gigaba Off The Hook (For Now): IDAC Confirms No Arrest In Transnet Probe
The 2021 riots left more than 300 people dead and caused widespread destruction across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Duduzile Faces Explosive Claims Over Social Media Posts
The State alleges that Zuma-Sambudla’s social media posts during the unrest fuelled chaos, encouraging the burning of trucks, looting of shops, and blockades of major roads.
Former forensic investigator Sara-Jane Trent, who laid charges against Zuma-Sambudla, told the court that the accused’s posts — including videos of burning property tagged with #FreeJacobZuma — amounted to calls for violent action.
“My Lord, under these images, the accused wrote encouraging messages for people to continue what was happening. If this is not incitement of violence, I do not know what it is,” Trent testified.
Dali Mpofu Calls Jacob Zuma To The Stand
Defence advocate Dali Mpofu revealed that Jacob Zuma will be his first witness, saying the former president will dispute the State’s case and argue that the charges are politically motivated.
“My Lord, I will call President Zuma as my witness. He would dispute the testimonies that have been presented and prove that this case and his arrest were politically motivated,” Mpofu told the court.
– Advertisement –
Zuma, who has been attending proceedings alongside senior MKP members, was joined on Tuesday by former Ukhozi FM personality Ngizwe Mchunu.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:Mbalula Dismisses Contact From Mogotsi: “He Sent Me A Message, I Wont Respond”
During cross-examination, Mpofu grilled Trent over her ties to Paul O’Sullivan, a well-known forensic investigator and alleged ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa, suggesting her complaint against Zuma-Sambudla was politically driven.
Trent admitted she “would not be surprised” if people believed her actions were politically motivated.
Witness Contradicts Her Own Testimony
Under pressure from Mpofu, Trent appeared to backtrack on parts of her statement — conceding that in one video of chanting warriors, no violence actually occurred, despite her earlier claims that they stormed a Spar supermarket.
The defence will continue its cross-examination on Wednesday, with Jacob Zuma expected to testify soon in what promises to be a highly charged courtroom showdown.
For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X, Instagram and Bluesky
– Advertisement –
