Zuma-Sambudla trial turns on role of social media posts in July 2021 unrest

By Thapelo Molefe

The terrorism trial of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resumed in the High Court in Durban on Monday, with proceedings focusing on whether her social media posts contributed to the July 2021 unrest.

The State argues that the “We See You” posts she made on X during the unrest fuelled the deadly riots.

Zuma-Sambudla, a former uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP and daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, has pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism and incitement to commit public violence.

Her counsel, Dali Mpofu, resumed cross-examination of digital law expert Emma Sadleir.

Zuma-Sambudla faces charges linked to the widespread violence that followed Zuma’s arrest in July 2021.

The unrest left more than 350 people dead and caused an estimated R50 billion in economic damage, according to evidence before the court.

The court heard further testimony from Sadleir, who analysed Zuma-Sambudla’s Twitter activity during the period.

She said her conclusions