Mpofu Puts State’s Case under pressure as Zuma-Sambudla fights to avoid trial
Mpofu challenges state’s case as Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla seeks discharge.
Advocate Dali Mpofu is challenging the State’s case against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla at the Durban High Court, arguing that the evidence presented is insufficient to justify continuing with her trial.
Zuma-Sambudla faces three charges linked to alleged incitement during the deadly July 2021 unrest, which saw widespread looting, violence and destruction across parts of South Africa.
Her defence argues that investigators have failed to establish a strong enough link between her social media posts and the criminal activities that occurred during the unrest. The State, however, alleges that her online messages encouraged violence and public disorder.
The court must now consider the defence’s arguments before deciding whether Zuma-Sambudla should be discharged or whether the case should proceed.
The outcome could be a significant development in a case that continues to attract national attention because of its political implications and connection to one of South Africa’s deadliest periods of unrest.
Will the court dismiss the charges, or will Zuma-Sambudla have to stand trial? The decision rests with the court. Court to resume Zuma-Sambudla’s case to 6 November 2026.
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