Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Faces Terrorism Incitement Trial Wearing Provocative ‘Modern Day Terrorist’ Shirt

Zuma’s Daughter Back in the Spotlight as Courtroom Style Turns Heads

The Durban High Court was packed with tension on Thursday, but it wasn’t just the charges that drew attention—it was the message on Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s shirt. The daughter of former president Jacob Zuma arrived smiling, wearing a black t-shirt emblazoned with the words “Modern Day Terrorist,” as she faced accusations tied to one of the darkest weeks in recent South African history.

The case stems from the July 2021 unrest, a wave of violence and looting across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng following her father’s imprisonment. The chaos left over 350 people dead and caused billions of rands in damage.

Serious Charges Over Social Media Activity

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Zuma-Sambudla faces one count of incitement to commit terrorism and two counts of incitement to commit public violence. Prosecutors allege that her online posts fanned the flames during the week-long upheaval. The trial is set to run from November 10 to 21, 2025.

Worries About Security in KZN

Beyond the courtroom, the unrest’s aftermath still lingers. DA police portfolio chair Ian Cameron expressed concern that crime intelligence in the province has not been strengthened since 2021. “I cannot say with confidence that crime intelligence within the SAPS has been adequately increased,” he said.

KZN violence monitor Mary de Haas added another layer of alarm, warning that “highly sophisticated unknown forces” are trying to destabilize the province. She linked her concerns to ongoing tensions between the provincial police commissioner and the police minister a political clash that could weaken law enforcement’s grip in an already volatile region.

A Court Case with Political Ripples

The trial promises to reignite debate about political accountability, online influence, and South Africa’s ability to respond to unrest before it spirals. Social media reaction has been split some see Zuma-Sambudla’s shirt as a bold act of defiance, others as a provocative taunt to victims still reeling from the devastation.

One thing is clear: for both the accused and the country, the events of July 2021 are far from over.

{Source: IOL}

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