Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is scheduled to make an appearance at the Durban magistrate’s court this Thursday in connection with her alleged role in inciting violence during the unrest that took place in July 2021.
The MK party, which is headed by former president Jacob Zuma, the father of Zuma-Sambudla, has urged its members to show their support by attending her court appearance.
During a media briefing held by the ANC at Luthuli House on Tuesday, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula refrained from commenting on Zuma-Sambudla’s arrest, stating that the party would not provide any official statement on the matter. Police minister Senzo Mchunu, who was also present at the briefing as part of the ANC’s national executive committee, claimed to be unaware of the situation and declined to comment.
Despite multiple requests for comment, MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela did not respond to inquiries from the media. However, the party has been circulating a poster urging its members to mobilize and show their support for Zuma-Sambudla at the court hearing. The poster indicates that she will be facing charges related to the events of the July 2021 uprising.
The riots that occurred in July 2021, described as a “failed insurrection” by President Cyril Ramaphosa, began as Jacob Zuma was due to report to prison for a contempt of court charge. The unrest quickly spread throughout KwaZulu-Natal, with widespread looting and destruction taking place.
During the chaos, thousands of individuals, including children, targeted businesses, shopping malls, and warehouses, looting whatever they could carry. ATMs were bombed or stolen, communication systems were disrupted at the Durban port, and waterworks were also attacked.
In response to the escalating violence, community groups were called upon to assist the under-resourced police force in restoring order. Despite the delayed deployment of the defence force, local residents, community policing forums, and eventually the SANDF managed to bring the situation under control.
The aftermath of the riots saw over 300 casualties, primarily among criminals engaged in violent confrontations over stolen goods, according to KZN premier Sihle Zikalala. The impact of the unrest continues to reverberate, with Zuma-Sambudla now facing legal repercussions for her alleged involvement in the events of that tumultuous period.
