July unrest: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla trial set to resume in October

The KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban has determined new dates for the ongoing trial of former president Jacob Zuma's daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who stands accused of involvement in the deadly July 2021 unrest. The case was returned to court on August 13, 2026, where fresh dates were set for its continuation. Initially commenced on November 10, 2025, the trial is set to reconvene on October 26, 2026, and conclude by November 6, 2026.

The 44-year-old, formerly affiliated with the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party, was apprehended and charged in January 2025. Prosecutors assert that between June 29 and July 2021, the defendant unlawfully and deliberately urged others to commit acts of terrorism. They claim her online posts incited a series of violent acts, including looting, arson, and widespread destruction across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, resulting in over 300 fatalities.

The protests erupted following her father's arrest. She faces three charges: incitement to commit terrorism, incitement to commit violence, and a charge under Section 17 of the Riotous Assemblies Act 1956. The State alleges that Zuma-Sambudla incited others to unlawfully assemble with the intention of causing public disorder or violating others' rights. Zuma-Sambudla maintains her innocence and is challenging the charges.