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The child of former South African President Jacob Zuma has pleaded not guilty to terror-linked accusations at the beginning of her legal proceedings in the coastal city of Durban city.

Zuma-Sambudla, 43, is being charged over comments she posted on online platforms in the past during deadly protests in South Africa that followed the arrest of her dad.

A week of chaos in multiple regions of the country in July 2021, including theft and intentional burning, resulted in at least three hundred killed and caused damage worth an estimated $2.8 billion (£2.2 billion).

She has been accused of fuelling this turmoil and is charged with allegations of incitement to commit terrorism and civil unrest.

Background of the Legal Matter

The unrest were focused in the regions of the Gauteng province and KwaZulu-Natal province and followed the previous president's detention for ignoring a court order to testify at an inquiry into accusations of graft while he was in power.

She has repeatedly denied the charges against her, with her legal representative previously calling the prosecution's legal argument as weak.

She has also repeatedly stated the charges against her were an bid to resolve political scores with her parent after he started his own party and campaigned against the African National Congress.

Support and Legal Defense

This was echoed by the Zuma foundation, which claimed the case was an "abuse of power" and a "coordinated attempt" of "political and family-related persecution" against the previous head of state and his family.

A few of supporters from her party, her party, turned up outside the provincial high court, while her parent and other organization officials attended the court sessions inside.

The defendant's representatives has maintained that the testimony presented by government lawyers is unconvincing and does not have compelling grounds for a criminal finding.

Main Aspects of the Trial

• Social media comments from four years ago form the basis of the government's case
• Violent protests in July 2021 resulted in major casualties and monetary destruction
• The accused confronts multiple allegations of incitement to public disorder
• Legal hearings are projected to proceed for numerous court sessions

The court case continues as both sides present their arguments before the court in what is expected to be a highly monitored court case with substantial politically charged consequences for South Africa.