The long-awaited trial of 62 people accused of orchestrating the deadly July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng is set to begin in the Durban High Court on Monday, with prosecutors expected to rely heavily on digital evidence obtained from WhatsApp groups allegedly used to coordinate the violence.
The case, regarded as one of South Africa's largest criminal trials linked to the July 2021 unrest, comes five years after widespread looting, arson and violence devastated parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The unrest claimed more than 350 lives, left thousands of businesses ransacked and caused billions of rands in economic damage.
A total of 65 suspects were initially arrested a year after the unrest. However, three of the accused have since died, leaving 62 to stand trial.
The State alleges that the unrest was coordinated through several WhatsApp groups, including one known as #FreeZumaCoordinators. Prosecutors claim the platforms were used to circulate information, mobilise participants and issue instructions to individuals involved in the violence.
Over the next eight weeks, the prosecution is expected to present extensive digital evidence, including WhatsApp messages, videos and audio recordings obtained from three separate chat groups. Digital forensic experts are expected to testify on the authenticity and significance of the electronic evidence.
The trial has faced repeated delays over the years, with several accused changing legal representatives and others requiring Legal Aid assistance. It remains uncertain whether the proceedings will continue uninterrupted.
The accused face a range of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit public violence, murder and terrorism. The outcome of the trial is expected to be closely watched, as it marks a significant step in holding those allegedly responsible for one of the country's most destructive periods of civil unrest accountable.