Former South African president Jacob Zuma is facing a corruption case from the top court of South Africa. On Thursday, court orders require Zuma to appear before an inquiry commission that has been doing the investigations towards his crimes. The South African Ex-President president is being charged with corruption cases that dominated largely in the year 2009-2018 during his reign. Efforts to get him to testify on a witness stand resulted in Zuma walking out during the proceedings in November. According to Zuma, the Deputy Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, is biased in his questioning. The court saw the act as a defense mechanism for Zuma to evade being answerable to his crimes.
The Commission’s demands for Jacob Zuma case
Following the court orders for Zuma, the commission expects nothing short of compliance from Zuma. Furthermore, the commission has the power to bring in witnesses. In a post from Twitter, the Constitutional Court strongly affirms that any attempts to disobey is disobeying the law.
This means that Zuma`s rights to remain silent have been stripped away from him. Consequently, all summons and directives as per the commission’s requirements will expect Zuma`s full cooperation. His lawyers are yet to make a response to the proposed arraignment to the commission.
Zuma`s corruption cases
Zuma`s presidency was terminated even before he could finish his second term as South Africa president. This was after Zuma allowed members of the Gupta family to appoint cabinet ministers. The effects trickled down to nepotism, where government contracts benefited the Gupta companies and Zuma`s son. Moreover, Zuma is reportedly accused of receiving bribes from a French arms manufacturer. These allegations forced the African National Congress party to remove him from power hence opening a case.
The commission`s take
Following Zuma`s legal acts of walking out during proceedings, the Deputy Chief Justice sought help from the Constitutional court. Zondo believes that the Constitutional court will foster Zuma`s cooperation into the case. Nonetheless, Zuma`s efforts to recuse Zondo from his case have been for a while now. Although the commission is still studying Zuma`s judgment, the Judicial commission welcomes the proceedings again.
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