MK Party supporters gathered at the Durban magistrates's court on Thursday ahead of a pretrial conference on unrest charges faced by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
Among party leaders at the court were former minister Nkosinathi Nhleko, impeached former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and provincial leader and former Msunduzi municipality deputy mayor Thobani Zuma.
Zuma-Sambudla, 42, daughter of former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma, is facing charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act and incitement to commit violence during the July 2021 riots.
She handed herself over at the Durban Central police station in January where she was arrested and processed. She was released on warning.
The party leader's presidential unit was at court.
The NPA's Mthunzi Mhaga said the prosecution was ready to proceed. He also confirmed advocate Elaine Harrison had received a letter from Zuma-Sambudla’s lawyer asking the state to abandon the case as they did not believe there were any prospects of a successful prosecution.
“We thoroughly examined this with the deputy director of public prosecutions. We came to a conclusion there is no merit in their submission,” said Mhaga.
He said this should not affect court proceedings.
“Today there is going to be a pretrial conference where a sitting judge will establish if the state and the defence are ready to proceed with the matter. There will be evidence furnished from the police docket.”
TimesLIVE
Zuma-Sambudla arrives at court for pretrial conference on unrest charges
Attorney asks state to drop case as they don't believe there is a chance of a successful prosecution
Image: SANDILE NDLOVU
MK Party supporters gathered at the Durban magistrates's court on Thursday ahead of a pretrial conference on unrest charges faced by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
Among party leaders at the court were former minister Nkosinathi Nhleko, impeached former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and provincial leader and former Msunduzi municipality deputy mayor Thobani Zuma.
Zuma-Sambudla, 42, daughter of former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma, is facing charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act and incitement to commit violence during the July 2021 riots.
She handed herself over at the Durban Central police station in January where she was arrested and processed. She was released on warning.
The party leader's presidential unit was at court.
The NPA's Mthunzi Mhaga said the prosecution was ready to proceed. He also confirmed advocate Elaine Harrison had received a letter from Zuma-Sambudla’s lawyer asking the state to abandon the case as they did not believe there were any prospects of a successful prosecution.
“We thoroughly examined this with the deputy director of public prosecutions. We came to a conclusion there is no merit in their submission,” said Mhaga.
He said this should not affect court proceedings.
“Today there is going to be a pretrial conference where a sitting judge will establish if the state and the defence are ready to proceed with the matter. There will be evidence furnished from the police docket.”
TimesLIVE
READ MORE:
Zuma-Sambudla escapes discipline, for now, as Shivambu announces two expulsions
'My deepest apology for any offence caused': Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla apologises
'I will wear these charges as a badge of honour': Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla speaks out on July 2021 unrest charges
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos