Trial of 62 accused in July 2021 unrest stalls after attorneys withdraw

The trial of 62 people accused in the deadly July 2021 unrest stalled on 20 July 2026 after several defendants were left without legal representation when their attorneys withdrew, the National Prosecuting Authority said.

Proceedings adjourned after attorneys withdraw

The matter was listed to begin in the Durban High Court on 20 July 2026 and had been set down for trial from 20 July until 18 September 2026. The court could not commence because, the State said, “several accused were without legal representation following the withdrawal of their attorneys earlier today.”

“The court ordered the affected accused to apply for legal aid immediately after the adjournment of the matter.”

The State told the court it was ready to proceed and had five witnesses available to testify, but the proceedings were postponed to 27 July 2026 for Legal Aid to update the court on progress in appointing representatives for the accused.

Charges against the accused

The accused face a range of charges including incitement to commit public violence; incitement to commit terrorism; conspiracy to commit public violence; conspiracy to commit murder; terrorism; sedition; and public violence.

High-profile related allegations

Among those charged is Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. The State has charged her with three counts of incitement to commit terrorism and two counts of incitement to commit public violence. The source says she has pleaded not guilty and that the State alleges she used her X account to stoke violence and looting after her father was jailed.

During a previous court appearance in November, social media law expert Emma Sadleir testified about the circulation of Zuma-Sambudla’s posts in WhatsApp groups coordinating the 2021 riots. Sadleir said the accused began tweeting early on 9 July at around 7:30am and that she issued 27 tweets that day. Sadleir highlighted a video posted by the accused showing a burning car-carrier truck at the N3 Mooi River Toll Plaza with the caption: “We see you! Amandla #FreeJacobZuma”.

Background: the July 2021 unrest

The July 2021 riots in KwaZulu‑Natal and Gauteng were triggered by the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma, who was found in contempt of court. More than 350 people were killed during the unrest. Shops and factories were closed during the week of violence, and the total cost to the economy was estimated at more than R50 billion.

The trial will next appear in court on 27 July 2026 for an update from Legal Aid on legal representation for the affected accused.