Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma and a sitting Member of Parliament, has been arrested and is set to appear in court on terrorism-related charges. Authorities accuse her of inciting the violent riots that swept across South Africa in July 2021, resulting in over 350 deaths and widespread destruction.
On Thursday, Zuma-Sambudla voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement and was charged under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, as well as for incitement to commit violence. Police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo confirmed that the arrest followed an extensive investigation led by the Durban Crimes Against the State unit of the Serious Organized Crime Investigation division.
The charges stem from a series of posts she made on social media, allegedly encouraging unrest after her father was imprisoned for defying a court order to testify in a corruption inquiry. The riots, which led to looting, arson, and large-scale destruction, were among the worst incidents of civil unrest in South Africa since the fall of apartheid in 1994. The chaos led to the arrest of more than 5,000 people.
Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment in 2021 triggered outrage among his supporters, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Many attributed the unrest to socio-economic frustrations heightened by COVID-19 lockdowns, but Zuma-Sambudla faced accusations of using her influence to fan the flames of violence.
Once a powerful figure in the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Jacob Zuma was forced to resign in 2018 amid corruption allegations. His expulsion from the ANC last year led him to establish the MK Party, which has since emerged as the official opposition. His daughter, Zuma-Sambudla, has risen within the party’s ranks and now serves as a prominent lawmaker.
The MK Party has called on its members to stand in solidarity with Zuma-Sambudla as she faces the charges in Durban Magistrates Court, a city known for strong support of her father. Authorities are on high alert, anticipating possible demonstrations.
Her arrest comes nearly four years after the deadly riots, following prolonged forensic investigations into her alleged role in fueling the violence. Despite numerous warnings about her potential prosecution, the MK Party insists that Zuma-Sambudla remains prepared to defend herself in court.
Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela stated that she has “conditioned herself” for this moment, adding that she will fully comply with the legal process. With political tensions high and the MK Party rallying behind her, Zuma-Sambudla’s trial is expected to be a closely watched legal battle with deep political implications.