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The child of former South African President Jacob G Zuma has entered a not guilty plea to terror charges at the start of her court case in the coastal city of the city of Durban.

The defendant, 43, is being charged over comments she posted on digital networks in the past during fatal unrest in South Africa that followed the apprehension of her parent.

A week of chaos in various areas of the country in mid-2021, including looting and fire-setting, caused at least three hundred dead and caused damage worth an estimated $2.8 billion (£2.2 billion).

Zuma-Sambudla has been charged of encouraging this violence and is charged with allegations of encouragement to commit terror-related activities and civil unrest.

Background of the Case

The demonstrations were concentrated in the areas of the Gauteng province and KwaZulu-Natal province and followed the previous president's apprehension for defying a court order to appear as a witness at an inquiry into allegations of impropriety while he was in power.

She has repeatedly refuted the accusations against her, with her attorney previously calling the state's case as weak.

She has also consistently stated the allegations against her were an effort to resolve political grievances with her parent after he started his own party and campaigned against the African National Congress.

Endorsement and Case Arguments

This was reinforced by the Zuma foundation, which claimed the proceedings was an "misuse of authority" and a "systematic campaign" of "political and kinship harassment" against the previous head of state and his relatives.

A small number of supporters from her group, her party, appeared outside the judicial building, while her father and other group representatives attended the court sessions inside.

The defendant's representatives has stated that the proof presented by government lawyers is unconvincing and fails to provide concrete evidence for a conviction.

Central Elements of the Trial

• Digital statements from the past form the basis of the state's case
• Deadly unrest in recent years resulted in substantial casualties and monetary damage
• The individual on trial is charged with multiple allegations of encouragement to public disorder
• Legal trials are anticipated to proceed for multiple weeks

The court case continues as both sides present their arguments before the court in what is projected to be a closely watched court case with major policy ramifications for South Africa.