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The daughter of ex- South African Head of State Zuma has pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related allegations at the start of her legal proceedings in the harbor city of the city of Durban.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, 43 years old, is being charged over statements she posted on social media several years back during deadly demonstrations in South Africa that came after the apprehension of her dad.

A period of disorder in various areas of the country in the summer of 2021, including looting and fire-setting, resulted in at least 300 killed and resulted in damage worth an approximate 2.8 billion dollars (2.2 billion pounds).

She has been accused of fuelling this violence and is charged with allegations of encouragement to commit terror acts and public violence.

Background of the Case

The demonstrations were centered in the areas of Gauteng region and KwaZulu-Natal and were triggered by the former president's arrest for ignoring a court order to testify at an investigation into allegations of corruption while he was holding office.

Ms Zuma-Sambudla has consistently rejected the allegations against her, with her attorney in the past describing the prosecution's case as insufficient.

She has also repeatedly stated the charges against her were an effort to resolve political disputes with her parent after he established his own political organization and campaigned against the ANC.

Endorsement and Legal Defense

This was reinforced by the foundation, which said the legal matter was an "abuse of power" and a "organized effort" of "political and family-related persecution" against the ex-leader and his kin.

A small number of followers from her political organization, the political party, turned up outside the KwaZulu-Natal high court, while her father and other organization officials attended the court sessions inside.

The defense has argued that the evidence presented by prosecutors is insufficient and fails to provide compelling grounds for a guilty verdict.

Key Points of the Trial

• Online statements from the past form the basis of the state's argument
• Violent demonstrations in recent years resulted in significant deaths and financial losses
• The accused is charged with multiple allegations of incitement to public disorder
• Legal trials are projected to proceed for numerous weeks

The court case continues as the prosecution and defense present their arguments before the judge in what is expected to be a highly monitored judicial process with major politically charged ramifications for South Africa.