Police General testifies Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla incited riots, highlights KZN violence

A state witness testifying in the case against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has told the court that the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in July 2021 was more violent than the unrest in Gauteng.

Looting occurred in Gauteng and KZN, with many involved claiming their actions were linked to the demands for the release of former president Jacob Zuma.

His daughter, Duduzile, is standing trial for allegedly inciting the violence through her social media posts. The matter is being heard in the Durban High Court.

Police Major General Gopaul Govender was tasked with coordinating investigations into the social media posts related to the July 2021 unrest.

READ: Zuma-Sambudla pleads not guilty to inciting violence and terrorism charges

He told the court that WhatsApp groups relating to Zuma’s release were formed in parts of the country, including the Free State and KZN.

Govender stated that Zuma’s daughter, usedher influence to incite the public riots, referring to her tweets at the time.

Govender also testified the unrest was particularly bad in KZN and said, “The activities of the protesters and looters were very, very violent in KZN as opposed to Gauteng, where yes they did loot/steal, but we see the majority of the violent crimes, whether the murders or attempted murders resulting from the civil unrest, emanate from KZN.”

More than 30 people were killed during the July unrest in Phoenix, north of Durban. Across the country, more than 350 lives were lost.

The trial proceedings continue.

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