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DAYS OF ZONDO

State Capture Commission to lay criminal complaint against Jacob Zuma

The Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture is calling Jacob Zuma’s bluff and has come out guns blazing against the former president, who on Monday said, ‘I do not fear being arrested’ after announcing that he would not cooperate with the inquiry.
State Capture Commission to lay criminal complaint against Jacob Zuma Former president Jacob Zuma told the Zondo Commission that the inquiry was merely the culmination of an anti-Zuma narrative spanning nearly 30 years. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla / Netwerk24)
An Wentzel
By An Wentzel
3 Feb 2021
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Jacob Zuma boldly told the Zondo Commission – and the world – in a statement released on Monday by the Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma Foundation, that he would not appear before the commission.

Zuma’s decision went against the Constitutional Court order last week that he must appear before the commission, give evidence and obey all the directives given by the inquiry.

Justice Chris Jafta said: “It is declared that Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma does not have the right to remain silent in proceedings before the Commission.”

On Monday 1 February, Zuma seemed to taunt the commission, with his statement that he would not cooperate and that:

“If this stance is considered a violation of their law, then let their law take its course.”

The commission is not taking this lightly and has released its own statement.

“The Commission takes note of the recent public statement issued by Mr Jacob Zuma yesterday (Monday, 1 February 2021).”

Media Statement 2 February ... by Daily Maverick

 

The statement describes the stance taken by Zuma and goes on to say:

“It seems that Mr Zuma considers himself to be above the law and the Constitution.

“With regard to Mr Zuma’s decision not to appear before the Commission during the week of the 18th to the 22nd of January 2021 as he had been required to do in terms of one of the Commission’s summonses served on him, the Chairperson has asked the Secretary of the Commission to lay a criminal complaint against Mr Zuma.”

Zuma is also expected to appear before the commission from February 15 to 19, which he announced he would not do. The commission has noted this and said should Zuma not appear on 15 February, it would “announce on that day what further action it will take in regard to such conduct”.

The commission closed its statement with:

“It is noted that in his statement Mr Zuma continues his attacks on the person and integrity of the chairperson but the chairperson will deal with those attacks in a separate statement.” DM

Comments (10)

Karl Sittlinger Feb 3, 2021, 11:55 AM

Just ensure we extend the time frame of the commission indefinitely until he has appeared in addition to arresting him...

Selwyn Lange Feb 3, 2021, 12:04 PM

Have you thought about the differences and similarities between the Zuma and Trump sagas? In both cases there will be the rabble to "defend to the death -----" (almost literally). Sad but true.

Bruce Morrison Feb 3, 2021, 12:09 PM

By what is happening in Durban it looks like his supporters are setting up to disrupt the country by stirring up xenophobic attacks.

Cecil van den Bergh Feb 3, 2021, 01:10 PM

Don't issue statements anymore, just do it!

Dhasagan Pillay Feb 3, 2021, 01:51 PM

You'd think that law enforcement officers know how to type 'Nkandla' into Waze.

Breeze Feb 3, 2021, 03:01 PM

Not arresting and prosecuting this known thief and corrupt character will have a huge implication on this country. Many others will feel they can do the same and the world is watching and this will affect investments and job opportunities forever.

Geoff Young Feb 3, 2021, 05:41 PM

This is a pivotal moment for the Zondo Commission, Jacob Zuma, the rule of law, the Constitution and the Republic itself. I wait with baited breath to see if there is a spine or if this is a glorified publicity stunt. The nation is watching.

Scott Gordon Feb 4, 2021, 12:09 AM

Did you see Zondo call out the ANC . It was epic !I was in awe . I heard 'Prasa ' then I heard about "| accountability " " where is the oversight ?" ......."how does the president allow this ? Clearly stressed , end of term , a burden of 'statements ' under oath ,imagine how the masses feel ? Ignored , their own fate . Jz has contempt , arrest him , why is he still free ?

Sydney Smith Feb 3, 2021, 06:10 PM

Nothing is going to happen, he has enough dosh in his bank and will skip the country and still poke fun at us from the outside. Maybe Cuba?

Lyndsay Ousman Feb 3, 2021, 06:32 PM

Blah Blah Blah ... Never before has the judicial system been so blatantly and arrogantly flouted with NO repercussions.. Oh...until now...when it will in all likelihood be too late. Makes one wonder.....

Scott Gordon Feb 3, 2021, 11:50 PM

the Constitution. (It is to be noted that, while Mr Zuma refuses to comply with the Constitution and to obey the order of the Constitutional Court on the one hand, he continues to enjoy the benefits that the Constitution grants to all former Presidents In terms of his pension and other benefits paid for by the taxpayers). It seems that Mr Zuma considers himself to be above the law and the Constitution. The Commission reiterates that in terms of the Constitution everyone is equal before the law. This constitutional guarantee must be given effect to.4. The Commission is concerned that Mr. Zuma’s decision to defy the order of the Constitutional Court and the summons of the Commission displays a complete disregard for the rights and interests that South Africans have in obtaining comprehensive responses from him to a lot of evidence regarding state capture,corruption and fraud that concern him and others connected with him that relate tohis terms of office as President of the country which have been led in the Commission over the past three years.. With regard to Mr. Zuma of January 2021 as he had been required to do in terms of one of the Commission’s summonses served on him, and still no action ? Con Court said he broke the law and his oath of office , not sedition or treason ? a gift for CR not that he can be trusted , sitting on reports from Muf and co for 2 years