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The former president left the commission shortly after Supreme Court Vice President Raymond Zondo dismissed his request for disqualification on Thursday.
Former President Jacob Zuma at the state capture investigation in Johannesburg on November 17, 2020. Image: Abigail Javier / EWN
JOHANNESBURG – The Organization to Undo Fiscal Abuse (Outa) said on Saturday it was giving the state’s arrest commission of inquiry time to consider the departure of former President Jacob Zuma, warning that it could take legal action against him.
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Zuma withdrew from the commission shortly after Supreme Court Vice President Raymond Zondo dismissed his request for disqualification on Thursday.
“No one can excuse themselves from the commission after being summoned, since they must have the permission of the commissioner. This is considered a crime and we believe that the Vice President of the Supreme Court must act decisively to ensure that no precedent is set for others, ”said Outa Executive Director, Advocate Stefanie Fick, in a statement.
“No one is above the law, including the former president,” he added.
The former president does not want Zondo to chair the commission, claiming that he would be biased against him because they are friends. However, Zondo maintains that he is not in conflict over his personal relationships with the former president.
Zuma and his legal team left the commission without permission from the vice president of the Supreme Court. He was summoned to the investigation following serious allegations of corruption made against him by witnesses.
The former president’s strike has been widely criticized, with some labeling his actions as disrespectful to the commission.
Outa was also dismayed saying that Zondo should take action.
“South Africa has suffered enough under Jacob Zuma and this commission was created to get to the bottom of the capture of the state, an issue in which he has been instrumental. We call on the Zondo commission to take action against Jacob Zuma for contempt, “said Fick.
The state capture commission was forced to suspend the session last week and it was not yet clear what action Zondo would take, but Outa said it should act decisively.
“You are not above the law, Mr. Zuma, and like everyone else involved in gross mismanagement and embezzlement of state funds, you must answer the questions that are put to you,” Fick said. “Your constant delaying tactics in Stalingrad will no longer be tolerated.”
WATCH: After losing Zondo’s disqualification offer, Zuma abandons investigation without permission
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