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The child of previous South African President Zuma has denied all charges to terror charges at the commencement of her court case in the port city of Durban city.

Zuma-Sambudla, 43 years old, is being charged over statements she posted on digital networks four years ago during deadly protests in South Africa that followed the arrest of her parent.

A period of chaos in various areas of the country in mid-2021, including plundering and intentional burning, resulted in at least three hundred dead and resulted in damage worth an projected $2.8bn (£2.2 billion).

Zuma-Sambudla has been alleged of inciting this violence and faces charges of encouragement to commit terrorism and public violence.

History of the Legal Matter

The unrest were concentrated in the areas of the Gauteng province and KZN and were triggered by the previous president's apprehension for disobeying a court order to appear as a witness at an investigation into accusations of impropriety while he was in power.

She has always rejected the allegations against her, with her legal representative in the past calling the government's case as weak.

She has also frequently claimed the allegations against her were an bid to resolve political scores with her parent after he founded his own political party and campaigned against the African National Congress.

Backing and Legal Defense

This was echoed by the Zuma foundation, which said the case was an "power abuse" and a "coordinated attempt" of "political and familial targeting" against the ex-leader and his family.

A small number of followers from her party, her party, appeared outside the judicial building, while her parent and other party leaders were present at the proceedings inside.

Her legal team has argued that the evidence presented by the state is insufficient and lacks substantial grounds for a criminal finding.

Main Aspects of the Case

• Digital statements from 2019 form the basis of the prosecution's case
• Deadly protests in recent years resulted in significant casualties and financial destruction
• The defendant faces multiple counts of incitement to unrest
• Legal trials are projected to continue for several weeks

The legal proceedings continues as both sides present their arguments before the judicial authority in what is expected to be a highly monitored court case with substantial political consequences for South Africa.