Authorities have charged Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, with terrorism for allegedly inciting violence through social media during the 2021 riots.
The arrest connects to contentious events sparked by the incarceration of her father, leading to widespread violence and destruction, AP News reported.
The unrest began in July 2021 following the imprisonment of Jacob Zuma for contempt of court related to a corruption inquiry from his presidency. Zuma served as the President of South Africa from 2009 to 2018. His arrest triggered one of the country’s worst episodes of civil unrest since the end of apartheid.
During the riots, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla allegedly used social media platforms, specifically Twitter, to incite her father's supporters. The violence escalated, resulting in over 350 deaths and significant property damage, upwards of $2 billion.
Zuma-Sambudla, a 42-year-old member of parliament, made claims on social media that encouraged supporters to partake in acts of looting, arson, and destruction, ostensibly as a demonstration of support for her father.
Authorities arrested Zuma-Sambudla on a Thursday, and she later appeared in court to face serious terrorism charges. Despite the severity, the court issued her a warning and ordered her to reappear for her trial in March.
Authorities mentioned that the investigation leading to her arrest was thorough, involving the examination of social media activities and collaboration with specialists. The Hawks, a special police unit, has been integral in piecing together the evidence against her.
The escalation of the riot to the level of devastation drew concerns of an insurrection aimed at opposing President Cyril Ramaphosa, suggesting a political schism within the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
In defense of Zuma-Sambudla, her attorney stressed that her posts on Twitter did not explicitly call for violence. This sentiment is mirrored by her father's political faction, with Jacob Zuma recently founding the MK Party after his ouster from the ANC.
The MK Party has argued that the charges against Zuma-Sambudla are politically motivated, an allegation intended to weaken Jacob Zuma's political influence and silence dissent within party ranks.
Jacob Zuma, despite facing numerous criminal investigations, including ones into a multibillion-dollar arms deal and other corruption charges associated with his presidency, has consistently denied all accusations.
Following the riots, South Africa undertook a monumental task to recover from the extensive economic and social damage. Authorities arrested over 5,000 individuals in connection with the violence, which profoundly impacted community safety and public resources.
The event not only highlighted deep-rooted political and economic tensions but also raised questions about social media's role in contemporary political engagement and public safety.
As the case against Zuma-Sambudla advances, it remains a focal point in discussions about justice, political rivalry, and the accountability of public figures in stoking or quelling unrest.
This complex scenario underscores the challenges facing South Africa’s democracy, still grappling with the shadows of its apartheid past and the ongoing tussles within its ruling party.
