Sarah-Jane Trent claims Zuma-Sambudla of using status to streer violence.
(The Post News) – State witness, Sarah-Jane Trent, acknowledged that she files the charges on behalf of NPO, Forensics for Justice.
On the second day of trial, 12th November 2025, complainant, Sarah-Jane Trent, stood to testify against Zuma-Sambudlana. Trent testifies that Sambudlana abused her political power and position as daughter of former President, Jacob Zuma.
This, according to Trent, amplified her capabilities of inciting public unrest using social media platforms.
The unrest has placed many families in distraught positions, as their loved ones were taken away from them. In July 2021, the unrest caused the deaths of over 350 and compromised the country’s economy worth R50 billion.
Sarah-Jane Trent, a former employee of forensic investigator, Paul Sullivan, informed the court of laying charges based on Sambudlana’s tweets. Trent suggested that those tweets propelled chaos and instilled panic.
The high-profile trial is set to continue until November 21st, focusing on the role of social media in the incitement.
Sambudlana’s defense argues that the state spied on her prior to the riots. Proceedings have an upper hand n setting news standards for online speech. Alongside, accountability in a country where political unrest often converts into violence.
The case replays disturbing moments during the unrest, which was probed by Jacob Zuma’s incarceration. Communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng had to recover from looting, deaths and arson.
For those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods, this case represents a chance for justice and healing.
Sarah-Jane Trent Takes the Stand
Trent testified: “As a public figure and former president’s daughter, she likely has many social media followers. Many people look up to her leadership. Her posts were not immune to causing an eruption of which they already have.”
“My first impression was, are they heading to the streets of Johannesburg? The burning of motor vehicles, looting and violent posts of guns circulating. Would all this come to my doorstep eventually? It needed to be stopped!”
“When viewing my tweets, Dear Lord, incitement of public unrest was clear a mandate and is being publicly posted.”
Trent made a reference to Tweets by Sambudla and described them as “problematic and disturbing”
“Former President, Jacob Zuma had to hand himself over to authorities b the 8th July 2025. This was the time one witnessed the encouragement to fight taking a rise, the objective being Jacob Zuma’s freedom.”
“The message accompanying a video posted on twitter. The message said Mooi Plaza We See You with a fist emoji, #FreeJacobZuma. The video showed burning vehicles.”
Trent highlighted other tweets, like he one of burning trucks with endorsing captions of chaos, #FreeJacobZuma
Trent’s role stemmed from her work with Sullivan. One of her job descriptions were opening cases against criminals. She claims that Sambudla being a public figure, her posts influenced people to act violently.
The state alleges that the tweets posted directly incited the public unrest and widespread destruction. This is part of the core charges against Sambudla.
All protocol observed under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act.
State Surveillance Defense Claims
Sambudla’s team of legal professionals, led by Advocate Dali Mpofu SC, made an argument on adaptation.
Mpofu disclosed that this case stems from a complaint filed by Sarah-Jane Trent from Paul O’Sullivans’ forensic investigation office.
Mpofus voiced out concerns about a disturbing statement made last week, suggesting delays or unfairness in evidence handling.
The team alleges that surveillance on Sambudla began prior the riots, suggesting possible political ulterior motives. The defense may use this to their advantage to question the case’s validity.
Trial Proceedings and Supportive Witnesses
The state plans to call three witnesses: a police general experienced in handling unrest, a post cyber expert and a social media specialist.
Trent, as a complainant, was called upon first to provide key evidence on why she laid charges. Judge Mbuzeni Mathenjwa and Prosecutor Yusuf Baba are leading this case.
This is set to run over a course of two weeks with the possibility of extension if more details resurface.
Supporters gathered outside court, chanting for Zuma-Sambudla. Families of those who have met their demise seek truth, clarity and redemption.
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