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The offspring of ex- South African President Jacob Zuma has pleaded not guilty to terror charges at the beginning of her court case in the coastal city of the city of Durban.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, 43, is being charged over statements she posted on online platforms four years ago during deadly protests in South Africa that followed the detention of her father.

A seven-day period of disorder in various areas of the country in July 2021, including theft and fire-setting, resulted in at least 300 individuals dead and caused damage worth an projected $2.8bn (£2.2 billion).

She has been accused of fuelling this unrest and confronts allegations of incitement to commit terror-related activities and civil unrest.

Background of the Legal Matter

The unrest were focused in the areas of Gauteng region and KwaZulu-Natal and followed the ex-leader's detention for ignoring a judicial ruling to testify at an probe into allegations of graft while he was serving as president.

She has always refuted the accusations against her, with her legal representative in the past labelling the prosecution's case as insufficient.

She has also consistently stated the charges against her were an attempt to address political disputes with her dad after he established his own political party and ran against the ruling party.

Endorsement and Court Representation

This was supported by the foundation, which claimed the legal matter was an "power abuse" and a "organized effort" of "political and familial targeting" against the former president and his relatives.

A handful of backers from her party, uMkhonto weSizwe, gathered outside the provincial high court, while her father and other group representatives attended the hearings inside.

The defendant's representatives has stated that the testimony presented by the state is unconvincing and fails to provide concrete proof for a criminal finding.

Key Points of the Trial

• Online comments from 2019 form the core of the government's case
• Violent unrest in 2021 resulted in major deaths and financial losses
• The individual on trial confronts multiple counts of encouragement to unrest
• Legal proceedings are projected to proceed for multiple days

The trial continues as all parties present their evidence before the judge in what is expected to be a highly monitored court case with major politically charged ramifications for South Africa.