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The daughter of former South African President Jacob G Zuma has denied all charges to terror accusations at the start of her court case in the harbor city of Durban.

Zuma-Sambudla, 43 years old, is being tried over remarks she published on online platforms several years back during deadly protests in South Africa that came after the detention of her father.

A week of disorder in several parts of the country in mid-2021, including theft and intentional burning, left at least 300 deceased and caused damage worth an estimated $2.8 billion (£2.2bn).

The defendant has been accused of inciting this violence and confronts allegations of incitement to commit terror acts and civil unrest.

Context of the Case

The unrest were focused in the regions of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal province and followed the former president's apprehension for disobeying a legal directive to give evidence at an inquiry into accusations of impropriety while he was serving as president.

The defendant has always refuted the accusations against her, with her attorney previously describing the state's legal argument as insufficient.

She has also frequently claimed the charges against her were an attempt to settle political scores with her parent after he founded his own party and competed against the ruling party.

Endorsement and Legal Defense

This was reinforced by the foundation, which claimed the proceedings was an "power abuse" and a "organized effort" of "political and family-related harassment" against the previous head of state and his relatives.

A few of supporters from her group, her party, gathered outside the KwaZulu-Natal high court, while her dad and other group representatives were present at the hearings inside.

Her legal team has argued that the proof presented by government lawyers is insufficient and does not have concrete grounds for a guilty verdict.

Key Points of the Legal Proceedings

• Digital statements from four years ago form the core of the government's argument
• Fatal unrest in recent years resulted in significant casualties and monetary destruction
• The defendant faces multiple charges of provocation to public disorder
• Judicial hearings are expected to carry on for several days

The legal proceedings continues as all parties present their arguments before the judge in what is expected to be a closely watched legal battle with significant political consequences for South Africa.