Recall beckons for Jacob Zuma after SONA 2018 postponement

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Breaking: Zuma ordered to pay legal costs for attempts to stop state capture report

Time to get your hand in your pocket and out of the till, Jacob.

Recall beckons for Jacob Zuma after SONA 2018 postponement

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

President Jacob Zuma has been told to cover the legal costs of his frivolous attempts to stop the Public Protector’s state capture report from making it to court.

The judgement, handed down by Justice Mlambo at Pretoria High Court, highlighted the ‘frenzy’ Zuma caused when he asked for an interdict of the PP’s report. It sparked as mass of counter-applications for all other major political parties. At the end of October, he abandoned the process.

Zuma must cover costs for state capture hold-ups

After wasting the court’s time by eventually abandoning his appeal against the state capture case, Jacob Zuma must now foot the bill himself. Which also means, the investigation into the state of capture is looking increasingly likely to go ahead without any further challenges.

Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela made a 2016 ruling that the ANC leader must face an inquiry into state capture, as details of his overly-cosy business relationship with the Guptas became public knowledge.

Madonsela’s decision meant that an investigation team would have to be chosen by a neutral party. However, Jacob Zuma wanted this particular detail reviewed, given that he’s the president and he argues it falls under his remit.

Will Zuma face a state capture inquiry?

After spending the best part of a year protesting, Zuma eventually withdrew his application two months ago. However, the reviews and legal processes had come at a great cost.

Judge Mlambo ruled out a ‘punitive costs’ punishment, as this would burden the taxpayer. Instead, he hit the President where it hurt: his wallet.

The fun hasn’t finished quite yet, though. JZ is also facing judgement day over who will be allowed to appoint an independent judge to lead the state capture commission of inquiry. Could it be double-trouble for Zuma? We’ll keep you all updated.