South Africa: WhatsApp, Terror and Zondo - July 2021 Unrest Accused Finally Face Trial
Sixty-two individuals are facing trial in South Africa for their alleged roles in the 2021 unrest, which resulted in 354 deaths. Prosecutors claim the violence was coordinated via WhatsApp groups to protest the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma.
Why it matters
The trial addresses a major moment of civil unrest in South Africa and the role of digital communication in organizing mass violence.
Nearly five years after South Africa's deadliest unrest in the democratic era, 62 accused are due in the KZN High Court to face terrorism, sedition and insurrection-related charges. Prosecutors allege three WhatsApp groups coordinated the violence that left 354 people dead and sought to force Jacob Zuma's release.
On Monday, 20 July, Gods Surprise Ntuli (48) is set to lead a group of 62 people accused of terrorism and insurrection over eight bloody days in July 2021 into the dock of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban. All the accused -- bar one who lives in Tumahole in the Free State -- are from KZN or the East Rand.
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