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By ANA Reporter 
13h ago
Cape Town – The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has subpoenaed former President Jacob Zuma to testify before it, not only in January next year, but also for a second week in February.
On Thursday, the commission said that Zuma was asked to appear before it from January 18 to 22 and again from February 15 to 19.
The commission’s spokesman, Mbuyiselo Stemela, said the commission has yet to press charges against Zuma for withdrawing from the commission on November 19. This came after Supreme Court Vice President Raymond Zondo dismissed Zuma’s request for disqualification.
The former president had argued that Zondo had abandoned the required objectivity and led witnesses to implicate him in state capture scandals.
Zondo said that Zuma’s departure, while under subpoena and without permission, was serious business.
Stemela said the commission would press charges against Zuma once it has filed an application with the Constitutional Court for an order compelling him to comply with the new subpoena that was issued to him.
If the request is successful, Zuma would be in contempt of court and face arrest if he defied the subpoena.
The commission intends to request the National Prosecutor’s Office (NPA) to investigate Zuma’s conduct once he files the charges.
Zuma has indicated that he would challenge Zondo’s refusal to recuse himself.
His lawyer, defense attorney Muzi Sikhakhane, argued that the former president had reason to fear that taking the stand would be like entering “a slaughterhouse.”
He removed Zuma from the session and has indicated that if his client is forced to appear before the commission, he may choose to remain silent.
African News Agency (ANA)
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