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JOHANNESBURG – Supreme Court Vice President Raymond Zondo addressed the state capture commission about his relationship with former President Jacob Zuma on Monday.
Zondo said that he met Zuma 13 to 14 years ago, but has not had any other personal meetings with him.
LIVESTREAM: Zuma Appears Before the Zondo Commission
All of the meetings reportedly occurred more than 13 years ago.
“It is true that Mr. Zuma and I have known each other since the early 1990s. From then until 1997, when he was appointed a judge,” Zondo said.
“Since then, their interactions have been personal. They have been cordial and pleasant.”
The deputy judge said Zuma’s statement that they are friends is not accurate.
LEE: Zuma asks for the recusal of Zondo from the state capture commission
He said he did not socialize with the former president and never visited Zuma’s office or official residence.
Zondo described previous cases in which he has presided over matters involving associates of Zuma, including his son Duduzane, and claimed that in none of the matters was he asked to recuse himself.
Lawyer Muzi Sikhakhane, who represents Zuma, explained the reasons for the request, saying the team does not take this request lightly and does not intend to impose the integrity of the judge.
Sikhakhane said the investigation is being used by the South African media to promote the narrative that Zuma is “the man who ruined the country.”
