Zuma

Former President Jacob Zuma
Image Source: Flickr

Zondo to hear application to issue summons to Zuma

The former president was set to appear in September but his legal team said he had his arms deal case to attend to

Zuma

Former President Jacob Zuma
Image Source: Flickr

The State Capture Commission of Inquiry is expected to hear an application by its lawyers to issue summons to former president Jacob Zuma on Friday, 9 October 2020, as a way to compel him to appear after a number of postponements.

The commission’s chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo recently took on a more stern approach to the proceedings – issuing new dates, particularly for Zuma and also warning that they were not up for negotiation.

Zondo announced that Zuma would be expected to be back on the hot seat between 16 and 20 November 2020.

“He and his lawyers have been informed that, unless I am satisfied on that date that there are good grounds for them not to appear, if they do not appear that application will proceed without them,” Zondo said.

“They have been informed that should they wish to make use of a virtual appearance before the commission and if they inform the commission timeously arrangements will be made for them to appear virtually before the commission.”

Zuma is considered a central figure in the countless allegations of state capture, with most accusations emerging from the commission linking him and his friends, the controversial Gupta family, to corrupt and questionable activities.

Foundation: ‘Commission seeks to prejudice President Zuma’

The Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Mhlanganyelwa Zuma Foundation hit back at the commission, just a day before the application is set to be heard, reiterating its stance and further slamming the very same inquiry he established.

“We are utterly disappointed with this back-hand approach by such an important legal forum. It confirms our fear that this Commission seeks to prejudice President Zuma in every respect,” the foundation said.

The foundation has further labelled the new application as a “ruse” with a “clearly predetermined” outcome.

“We hope the public can see this Commission and its Evidence leaders for what they are. A political process parading as a legal process. It is nothing but a bastardization of legal processes to achieve political ends for those who pull the strings from behind.”

Zuma first took the stand in July 2019 and was initially due to make a return in January 2020 but he failed to honour the appointment, citing his ill-health. His legal team said he had gone for an intense medical procedure in Cuba and would be out of action until March.