Zuma-Sambudla threatens legal action against NPA

Zuma-Sambudla’s written affidavit, which was read out in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, stated her intention to take legal action against the National Prosecuting Authority. 

The 42-year-old appeared in court on charges linked to her alleged instigation of violence during the unrest in July 2021. 

The civil unrest - which left over 300 people dead - broke out after her father was jailed on charges of contempt of court.

During the unrest, several inflammatory posts were shared on what was believed to be Zuma-Sambudla's social media account.

She told the court, through her legal representative, Advocate Dali Mpofu, that the case against her was aimed at settling political scores with her father.

"I also hold the strong view that the charges are malicious and politically motivated. They are aimed at settling political scores with my father by the current regime, evidence in this regard will be led during the trial,”  Mpofu said. 

"Suffice at this stage that I am confident that a case of malicious prosecution will be well and easily established against the National Prosecuting Authority at the appropriate stage. I have instructed my legal representatives to pursue that action.

"It is plainly nonsensical and petty to interpret words which are used, such as ‘I see you’, to mean that the people referred to or were influenced by my social media comments.

"The mere fact that it has taken the state almost four years to work out whether a small number of social media messages constitute, quote, terrorism, unquote, speaks for itself and is an indication that the NPA is clutching at straws with a very weak case."

Zuma-Sambudla was released on warning and will return to court in March.

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