Cellphone expert to testify in Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's trial on her social media activity

A CELLPHONE expert is expected to shed light on Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's social media activity during the July 2021 unrest.

The State is poised to bring in a cellphone expert in the ongoing trial in the Durban High Court to elucidate the origins of video clips Zuma-Sambudla posted during the unrest.

The expert's testimony aims to provide clarity on whether Zuma-Sambudla, a member of Parliament from the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), was part of any organised disinformation campaigns, as allegations continue to swirl around her social media activities.

During proceedings at the Durban High Court, prosecutor Advocate Yuri Gangai concluded the re-examination of a key witness, Sara-Jane Trent, and announced that the next witness will be an expert in downloading cellphone material.

This expert is expected to determine the sources of the various images and videos shared by Zuma-Sambudla, especially concerning her involvement in 164 WhatsApp groups that circulated content during the unrest.

One focal point of the expert’s testimony will be whether the MP was collaborating with others in disseminating violent imagery or if she merely shared content that was trending at the time, a point vigorously contested by her defence counsel.

In previous testimonies, both Trent and another witness indicated that while Zuma-Sambudla was not part of formalised groups, questions remain about the origins of the content she posted.

This ambiguity is critical, as the State contends that her posts incited violence contributing to property destruction and economic turmoil during the unrest.

As the cross-examination of Trent unfolded, Zuma-Sambudla’s attorney, Advocate Dali Mpofu, dismissed Trent's testimony as "fabricated and politically motivated."

He challenged the legitimacy of the images cited, arguing that sharing footage of acts of violence, such as burning trucks, does not equate to encouraging violent acts.

Mpofu highlighted that messages expressing a desire for the release of Zuma-Sambudla's father, former President Jacob Zuma, could be interpreted more sympathetically than as incitement to violence.

In total, the former president’s daughter faces serious charges, including three counts of incitement to commit terrorism and two counts of inciting public violence.

The State contends that her online activity promoted dangerous behaviour that led to widespread unrest, a position that advocates for accountability within political discourse.

The matter has been adjourned and is set to resume on Monday, when the court will hear from the expected cellphone expert, potentially a pivotal witness in this high-profile trial.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE