Trent admits acting for NPO when laying charges against Zuma-Sambudla

State witness Sarah-Jane Trent has admitted during cross-examination in the Durban High Court that she was also acting on behalf of non-profit organisation, Forensics for Justice when she laid a charge against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

In her evidence-in-chief, Trent said she laid a criminal charge against Zuma-Sambudla in her own capacity after being troubled by posts on X during the July 2021 riots.

After being probed by defence Advocate Dali Mpofu, Trent conceded that she also acted as a representative of the NPO whom she worked for – and led by Paul O’ Sullivan – whom Mpofu labeled as an associate of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“I opened the case as part of a forensic for justice who decided that who would open it. So, I guess you can say as a representative capacity. In this instance I drafted the case, I signed it and we opened the case as forensic for justice. We? We opened the case. Yes, the case was based on my statement. So, when you were calling for the person to be arrested was it you Miss Trent or was it Forensic for Justice making that call? It was for Forensic for Justice and myself.”

Meanwhile, concluding his cross-examination Mpofu questioned Trent’s credibility and accused her of taking instructions from individuals who had personal vendettas against the Zuma family, arguments which Trent disputed.

MPOFU: “I am going to argue at the end that firstly your quality as a witness is very very poor in my extensive experience and comment?”

TRENT: “Well, that’s your opinion!”

MPOFU: “I’m also going to argue that you evade questions especially when they come closer to the bone, any comment?”

TRENT: “I disagree!”

Mpofu questions Trent over charges against Zuma-Sambudla

— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 12, 2025