May 24, 2019. Former president Jacob Zuma in Pietermaritzburg High Court. Zuma is facing charges of corruption, money laundering and racketeering. Picture: THULI DLAMINI
A cornered Zuma might be left with no choice but to avail himself for a grilling at the Zondo Commission.
May 24, 2019. Former president Jacob Zuma in Pietermaritzburg High Court. Zuma is facing charges of corruption, money laundering and racketeering. Picture: THULI DLAMINI
The State Capture Inquiry has confirmed that, on its return in January, it will issue a fresh summons to former president Jacob Zuma.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the office of Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo confirmed that proceedings will resume on Tuesday 14 January, with the primary focus being on the controversial landing of the Gupta aircraft at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in 2013
However, prior to that, the State Capture Inquiry’s legal team will “issue a summons for former president Jacob Zuma to appear before the commission”.
Zuma has been delaying his return to the hot seat since his dramatic exit in July 2019. Initially, his lawyers had stated that the former president’s absence from the State Capture Inquiry was due to ill-health.
However, with no indication of his keenness to commit to a date, Zondo has reached into his deck and pulled out a trump card. The commission’s legal team has been instructed to issue a summons notice, tying Zuma down to five days of testimony that will take place from Monday 27 January until Friday 31 January.
Media Statement.#StateCaptureInquiry pic.twitter.com/3s70rnQNSX
— State Capture Commission (@StateCaptureCom) January 10, 2020
So far, there has been no reaction from Zuma’s legal team, and the former president’s whereabouts are a subject of speculation.
Nothing in the inquiry’s regulations hints at what penalties Zuma could face should he not honour the appearance. Alas, January promises to be a busy month at the commission.
These are the witnesses who will be testifying:
Tuesday, 14 January
Wednesday 15 January to Wednesday 22 January
Monday 27 January to Friday 31 January