Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has been arrested over her alleged role in the deadly 2021 riots, police have confirmed.
The riots, triggered by Zuma’s imprisonment, led to widespread violence in Durban and Gauteng, resulting in over 300 deaths. Zuma-Sambudla is accused of inciting violence through inflammatory social media posts during the unrest.
The arrest follows a thorough investigation by the Hawks elite police unit. Zuma-Sambudla turned herself in at Durban Central police station on Thursday, facing charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act.
Her party, uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK), has confirmed her appearance in court and called on supporters to mobilise. Zuma-Sambudla has remained silent on the charges but posted a cryptic message on X: “We see you.”
The 2021 riots, considered one of post-apartheid South Africa’s bloodiest events, were sparked by Zuma’s 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court. Zuma-Sambudla, an outspoken figure, had posted images of the chaos and violence, using the phrase “KZN, we see you.”
This arrest is the latest development in a series of legal and political tensions surrounding the Zuma family, following the former president’s resignation and subsequent imprisonment. The riots caused widespread destruction, with looting and economic damage, including job losses.
