Staff Reporter
The case against 62 alleged instigators charged in connection with the July 2021 riots in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal returned to the Durban High Court on Monday, where the matter was certified trial-ready and allocated two trial periods starting in July 2026.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority in the province, hearings are set for 20 July up to and including 21 August; and from 24 August up to and including 18 September 2026.
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The accused face charges of conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence, terrorism, sedition, and conspiracy to commit murder.
The violence started in KwaZulu-Natal on 9 July, less than 24 hours after former president Jacob Zuma was imprisoned on contempt of court charges for refusal to appear before the Zondo Commission.
Roads were blocked by long-haul trucks, vehicles and trucks were torched, and debris burned. Gauteng experienced similar unrest, but to a lesser extent.
By the weekend, thousands of looters in KZN – children among them – descended on businesses, shopping malls and warehouses, forcing entry and stealing anything that could be carried or packed in awaiting vehicles.
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ATMs were bombed or removed and rioters tried to disconnect communication systems at the Durban port, while waterworks were also targeted.
Under-resourced and out-manned, the South African Police Services called on community groups to help quell the violence until the defence force was deployed. That deployment, however, came too late, the result of communication breakdowns between the relevant authorities.
By the time SANDF troops arrived, much of the rioting had been quelled by residents and community policing forums working alongside the police, or alone.
Over 300 people were killed in the riots, the vast majority being “criminals” who died while fighting over stolen goods, then KZN premier Sihle Zikalala said publicly at the time.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the unrest as a “failed insurrection”.
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