[ad_1]
Former President Jacob Zuma and his lawyer, lawyer Muzi Sikhakhane on the state capture commission.
Sharon Seretlo, Gallo Images
- The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation says action should be taken against former President Jacob Zuma after he left the state capture commission of inquiry.
- It says that the rules and procedures of the commission must be followed.
- But Zuma says he would rather be jailed than allow the commission to intimidate him.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said former President Jacob Zuma’s actions when he left the state capture commission on Thursday were the actions of someone “who thinks he is above the law.”
Zuma left the process without permission on Thursday when the chairman of the commission, Supreme Court Vice President Raymond Zondo, rejected a request the former president had submitted for disqualification.
In a statement, Executive Director Neeshan Balton said: “This is a ‘judicial’ commission of inquiry. Its rules and procedures must be respected. When a subpoena is issued to an individual, and that person challenges [it], then the commission has every right to ensure that the subpoena is carried out. If someone ignores a subpoena, they run the risk of being arrested or fined or both. In the case of the former president, we want the law to take its course. The criminal justice system must act to uphold the rule of law. “
Balton added that the commission should take action against Zuma.
Balton said:
We commend Judge Zondo for rejecting the request for disqualification and not accepting attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the commission. However, if the former president is simply released and is not accountable to the commission, in compliance with his subpoena, a negative precedent is set for other witnesses who have yet to testify and who may have a case to answer for.
The former president later said he would rather be jailed than “intimidated” by the commission.
READ | Legalities in Zondo’s ‘able hands’ after Zuma ‘excused’ himself from commission – Lamola
Meanwhile, the Jacob Zuma Foundation praised Zuma for his actions.
Do you want to know more about this topic? Sign up to receive one of 33 News24 newsletters to receive the information you want in your inbox. There are special newsletters available to subscribers.
We live in a world where fact and fiction blur
In uncertain times, you need journalism you can trust. For only R75 per month, you have access to a world of in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, leading opinions, and a variety of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest today in the future.
