Duduzane Zuma

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 4 March 2011: Sahara director, Duduzane Zuma speaks to the City Press from the New Age Newspaper’s offices in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa on 4 March 2011. (Photo by Gallo Images/City Press/Muntu Vilakazi)

Duduzane Zuma charged with culpable homicide for taxi deaths

Jacob Zuma’s son, Duduzane, will appear in court over the deaths of two taxi passengers.

Duduzane Zuma

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 4 March 2011: Sahara director, Duduzane Zuma speaks to the City Press from the New Age Newspaper’s offices in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa on 4 March 2011. (Photo by Gallo Images/City Press/Muntu Vilakazi)

It’s a miserable week for the Zuma family, following the unexpected death of one of Jacob Zuma’s son, Vusi Zuma, now it’s confirmed his other son, Duduzane, will stand trial for the culpable homicide of two taxi passengers.

The case stems back to an incident in 2014, whereby the Porsche Duduzane Zuma was driving collided with a taxi resulting in the deaths of Phumzile Dube and Nanki Jeanette Mashaba.

According to Times Live, Zuma has finally been formally charged over the deaths, in a process that has stalled for almost four years. In 2015 the National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) decided not to prosecute the former president’s son.

Zuma has always maintained that his high-powered Porsche hit a puddle and that he lost control, resulting in a collision with the minibus taxi.

Three speeding fines settlements nullified the charges

Zuma hired a top-class lawyer to squash any attempt at prosecution, paying Gary Mazaham R700 000 for his expertise. After settling R7 000 in speeding fines, the NPA decided to drop the investigation due to a ‘lack of evidence’.

Magistrate Lalitha Chetty ruled Zuma was negligent

But the NPA refused to heed the call of Chetty, sweeping the matter under the rug in a move that was widely criticized at the time, with the public believing then President Zuma was buying favours for his son, the accused.

Duduzane Zuma in the crosshairs of former prosecutor Gerrie Nel

Afriforum and former prosecutor Gerrie Nel joined forces in 2017, and the latter immediately set his sights on Duduzane. Nel admitted publicly that he would make sure young Zuma was held responsible for his actions.

But where in the world is Duduzane Zuma?

Following the Gupta’s hasty exit from South Africa, their business associate Duduzane is rumoured to have joined them in their escape from the country. Zuma’s lawyer has admitted he is not currently in the country.

Mazaham commented on the court summons, saying:

“Personally‚ I can see no reason why he should not appear.”

The NPA has confirmed the charges against Duduzane, saying:

“Zuma has been summonsed to appear in court. Should he fail to do so‚ a warrant of arrest may be issued against him.”

Zuma is due to appear in the South Gauteng High Court on 12 July. If he defaults on his court appearance a warrant will be issued for his arrest.