Despite facing serious charges that could see her imprisoned for years, Duduzile Zuma did not hold back in court while applying for bail, accusing the state of abusing the justice system to settle political scores.

Duduzile said that the case against her, which stemmed from her tweets during the July 2021 unrest, is politically motivated and aimed at targeting her father, former President Jacob Zuma, who now leads the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, a splinter party of the ANC.

These claims are outlined in a lengthy affidavit that was read out before the Durban Magistrate’s Court earlier today by Advocate Dali Mpofu SC on Duduzile’s behalf.

Pulling no punches, Duduzile argued that her tweets, which are now the subject of legal proceedings, had been “misconstrued” and did not incite violence. She further accused the state of employing “apartheid tactics” against perceived political opponents.

“Although I do not deny having sent some messages which have been misconstrued, I am of the strong opinion that no court can find that the violence in question occurred as a result or in connection with any incitement or any conduct on my part. The two things are utterly unconnected, casually or otherwise, in any sense envisaged in our criminal law,” she stated in the affidavit.

She told the court that her conduct was informed by the injustice that was meted out to her father.

“My conduct was only informed by my particular sense of outrage at the injustice meted out of my one father. This went much further than the objections of his political supporters and millions of other peace and justice loving South Africans who, like me, did not participate in any acts of public violence, either directly or indirectly,” she added.

Duduzile further asserted that the charges against her were politically driven.

“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. Suffice at this stage that I am confident that a case of malicious prosecution will be well and easily established against the National Prosecution Authority at the appropriate time. I have already instructed my legal representatives to pursue that action,” she told the court.

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela, who was present at the bail hearing, echoed Duduzile’s sentiments, alleging that the case represents political persecution of the Zuma family by those in power. He further claimed that this persecution had extended to MK Party leadership figures such as Dr John Hlophe.

The state has brought three charges against Duduzile, namely, incitement to commit terrorism, incitement to commit public violence, and incitement to commit public violence under the Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956.

The court released Duduzile on a warning, and the case will now proceed to the Durban High Court on March 20 this year.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga stated that the prosecution has a strong case, and their evidence will be presented in court once the trial begins.