Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is set to return to the High Court in Durban as her high-profile trial resumes, in a case linked to the July 2021 unrest that left parts of the country in chaos.
Zuma-Sambudla faces allegations that her social media activity helped incite violence during the unrest that followed the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma.
The State argues that her online posts contributed to a wave of looting, arson and widespread destruction across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, which saw shopping centres ransacked, infrastructure damaged, and communities left in fear.
Political analyst Zweli Ndevu told reporter that the drawn-out legal battle raises serious public concern about delays in justice and accountability.”My biggest concern with this matter is that it’s taking so long.
At the end, one is worried as to whether justice will be seen to be done or achieved. So, it has been taking some time and that one is concerned about that.
“He added that while the legal process must remain fair to all parties, the delays are becoming a central issue in the public discourse.
However, he said one must strike a balance between the fairness of the trial and ensuring that those accused have an adequate opportunity to defend themselves and provide evidence.”Her denying the allegations was expected from my side.
But I think there is sufficient evidence from the state to prove that there is a case to answer as to whether she will be found guilty or not.”There is collaborative evidence suggesting that her comments could have led to the incitement of violence,” he added.