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The daughter of former South African Leader Jacob Zuma has pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges at the start of her legal proceedings in the coastal city of Durban.

Zuma-Sambudla, 43, is being prosecuted over statements she published on online platforms four years ago during violent protests in South Africa that followed the detention of her dad.

A week of chaos in various areas of the country in July 2021, including theft and arson, left at least 300 killed and led to damage worth an approximate $2.8 billion (£2.2bn).

Zuma-Sambudla has been accused of inciting this turmoil and is charged with accusations of provocation to commit terror-related activities and public disorder.

History of the Case

The unrest were centered in the areas of the Gauteng province and KwaZulu-Natal and came after the previous president's apprehension for defying a judicial ruling to testify at an probe into accusations of graft while he was in power.

The defendant has always rejected the accusations against her, with her attorney previously calling the government's legal argument as insufficient.

She has also repeatedly stated the accusations against her were an effort to settle political disputes with her dad after he founded his own party and ran against the African National Congress.

Endorsement and Legal Defense

This was echoed by the Jacob Zuma foundation, which said the case was an "misuse of authority" and a "organized effort" of "political and kinship persecution" against the previous head of state and his kin.

A few of supporters from her political organization, uMkhonto weSizwe, gathered outside the judicial building, while her parent and other organization officials were present at the court sessions inside.

Her legal team has stated that the evidence presented by prosecutors is insufficient and lacks concrete proof for a conviction.

Key Points of the Trial

• Social media posts from the past form the basis of the government's argument
• Deadly protests in 2021 resulted in substantial deaths and financial damage
• The individual on trial confronts multiple allegations of incitement to unrest
• Judicial hearings are expected to carry on for multiple days

The court case continues as the prosecution and defense present their cases before the judge in what is expected to be a highly monitored legal battle with significant politically charged consequences for South Africa.