The Durban High Court has dismissed Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s application to have criminal charges linked to the July 2021 unrest dropped, paving the way for her case to continue.
Also see: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla trial: Court hears no link established to 2021 civil unrest
Judge Mbuzeni Mathenjwa delivered the ruling on Friday, 6 November 2026, rejecting a Section 174 application brought by Duduzile’s defence team, led by Advocate Dali Mpofu.
Court rejects Section 174 application
The application followed the conclusion of the State’s case. The defence had argued that prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to justify requiring Duduzile to answer to the charges.
However, the State opposed the application, maintaining that the evidence presented during the trial was sufficient for the proceedings to continue. The court ruled in favour of the prosecution.
[BREAKING] The High Court in Durban has dismissed Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s application to have the case against her, relating to the July 2021 unrest, withdrawn. She faces charges of incitement linked to the unrest. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403. https://t.co/69ksFubGIk
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 6, 2026
Also see: Julius Malema calls Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla ‘strong’ after MK Party expulsion
Charges linked to July 2021 unrest
Duduzile faces one count of incitement to commit terrorism and two counts of incitement to commit public violence.
The charges relate to social media posts she allegedly made during the July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, which followed the imprisonment of her father, former president Jacob Zuma.
The prosecution alleges that her posts, which included messages and images connected to the unrest, encouraged participation in the violence.
Her defence, however, challenged the State’s interpretation of the posts and argued that the evidence did not establish the necessary elements of incitement.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla maintains her innocence
Duduzile has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following Friday’s ruling, her defence closed its case without calling any witnesses.
The dismissal of the application does not mean she has been found guilty. The charges remain allegations, and the criminal proceedings are ongoing.
Her father, Jacob Zuma, was among those who attended the court proceedings in support of his daughter, alongside figures from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara welcomed the outcome, saying the ruling meant the State’s case against Duduzile would continue.
Case postponed to May 2027
The matter has been postponed to 17 May 2027, when further legal arguments are expected to take place.
Featured image: Instagram/@duduzilezuma_sambudla
Also see: 11 SA men return from Russian war, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla in hot water
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