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From being too sick to being too busy, the reasons Jacob Zuma gave for not being able to appear before the State Capture Investigation Commission were nothing more than flimsy delaying tactics, according to a constitutional expert.
Reflecting on a letter from Zuma’s lawyers, Zondo said Monday that the reasons provided by the former president for not being able to appear before the commission included the preparation of his gun dealing court case, and doctors had advised him that he should limit his movements, due to his age. and the Covid-19 pandemic. Zuma was also seeking legal advice on amendments to the commission’s regulations.
Zondo, however, did not accept any of that.
“This commission does not negotiate dates with witnesses,” Zondo warned, determined that Zuma would appear before him from November 16 to 20, an announcement that he would make officially on Monday.
Commenting on Zuma’s latest attempt to delay his appearance, Accountability Now’s director, attorney Paul Hoffman, said the latest batch of excuses made through his legal team was “unconvincing,” and nothing more than “other. Stalingrad Tactic “.
“The gun deal issue is a red herring because that gun deal case will not be executed until next year,” Hoffman said.
In any case, his defense is a simple denial. If you are going to make it as difficult as possible for the state to prove its case against you on that matter, you need to know that it did not work for Shabir Shaik and it should not work for him.
“It is very clear that the money changed hands with the people of Thales (French arms manufacturer). I don’t know what preparation you need to do for the case.
“Certainly there is no reason why you can’t take time off to prepare to come to the Zondo commission.”
Hoffman also had his doubts as to whether Zuma’s health could really be as precarious as he made it appear.
“I don’t know what sudden setback he has had, but I imagine his health is waiting. You just don’t want to be exposed to answering questions from evidence leaders on the commission.
“That being the case and given that there has been a history of appointments seeking to accommodate and find it, the commission is left with no alternative, but to say: ‘listen, we make an appointment with you and if you are not willing, come on that date, we will quote you to come here ‘”.
Although Zuma was not yet in contempt of commission, if he did not obey an order, he could be arrested.
“When he receives an order to come and does not come, then he is in contempt of the commission, making himself open to arrest. Supreme Court Vice President Zondo’s response has been entirely within the realm of the sensible and reasonable reaction to a blockade and Stalingrad tactic by Zuma’s legal team.
“This was another Stalingrad tactic that we have seen since 2005, which we all know quite well by now.”
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