The July unrest case against MKP MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has been declared trial-ready, with proceedings scheduled for later this year.

The Citizen notes that Zuma-Sambudla yesterday appeared at the KZN High Court (Durban) for a pre-trial hearing.

She last appeared in March after her matter was transferred from the Durban Magistrate’s Court. She was released on warning after handing herself over at the Durban Central Police Station earlier this year.

Yesterday, the state told the court it was ready to proceed and planned to call eight witnesses, including three social media experts.

The trial is set to run from 10 to 21 November.

Her defence team, led by Advocate Dali Mpofu SC, has previously indicated its intention to file representations to NDPP Shamila Batohi, seeking to have the decision to indict her reviewed and overturned.

A prior request to KZN DPP Elaine Zungu to drop the charges was rejected.

Zuma-Sambudla faces charges of terrorism and incitement to commit violence linked to the July 2021 unrest. She is being prosecuted under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act.

The state alleges Zuma-Sambudla used her X account – which has over 360 000 followers – to incite and support acts of violence, looting, road blockades, arson and other offences during the unrest, according to the charge sheet.

She allegedly fuelled unrest by sharing social media posts condemning the arrest of her father, former President Jacob Zuma and by reposting images and videos depicting the chaos.

Full report in The Citizen