Mpofu accuses investigating officer of being a ‘conduit’ in Zuma-Sambudla terrorism trial
The lawyer suggested that the investigating officer's evidence was 'more helpful' to Zuma-Sambudla's defence.
Advocate Dali Mpofu, representing Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla in her terrorism trial, has criticised the investigating officer Colonel Bheki Nazo over his credibility and methods. Mpofu accused Nazo of relying on statements from Sarah-Jane Trent, Trent's former employer, without conducting thorough independent investigations. The court proceedings focused on discrepancies in Nazo's affidavit regarding Zuma-Sambudla's involvement in the 2021 unrest following Jacob Zuma's arrest.
Mpofu challenged Nazo on the apparent contradiction in two statements in his affidavit, questioning whether he had formed his views before the investigation or relied on information from Trent. Mpofu suggested Nazo was acting as a "conduit" or conduit pipe, merely repeating Trent's views. Nazo defended his approach, maintaining that the investigation should be based on evidence and not the complainant's motives, arguing he questioned Trent about her reasons for submitting the affidavit.
The judge intervened, asking Nazo if he had inquired why Trent had singled out Zuma-Sambudla, to which Nazo replied he had asked Trent about her motivations. The state's decision to call Nazo to testify has been questioned by Mpofu, who believes the officer's testimony could harm the prosecution's case. The trial is set to continue on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
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