Cape Town – The Jacob Zuma Foundation’s spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi, revealed on Wednesday that former president Jacob Zuma is consulting lawyers to determine his next steps after the Presidency and the State Attorney sought to recover nearly R29 million spent by the state on his defence in the arms deal corruption case.
This move follows a 2018 court order for the State Attorney to reclaim the funds, as the state was found not liable for Zuma’s personal legal costs.
Reports said Zuma faces escalating challenges as the State Attorney and Presidency initiated legal action to compel him to repay almost R29 million in legal fees incurred during his corruption trial defence.
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) emphasised the importance of holding officials accountable and preventing the misuse of state resources to obstruct or delay prosecution.
The legal action is taking place shortly before the court-ordered claim against Zuma would have prescribed, News24 reported, according to The Citizen.
Efforts are underway to compel Zuma to repay R28.960,774 in taxpayer funds spent on his legal fees, an amount R10 million higher than initially claimed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the report said.
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State Attorney Isaac Chowe acknowledged an error in the initial demand letter, clarifying the correct amount in papers filed at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
“The total amount of R18 261 347.72, which was stated in the letter of demand, was based on the record of payments that could be traced at that stage, and after a diligent search and verification of the record of payments was conducted during the preparation of this application, it appeared that further monies were expended on Mr Zuma’s behalf totalling the sum of R10 699 426.62,” Chowe said.
Despite Zuma’s attempt to appeal, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed it in 2021.
According to EWN, Manyi said that Zuma is considering his options within the 30-day period for opposing the motion.
“We saw the notice of motion and also part of that notice of motion says something about 30 days for any opposition to the motion. So President Zuma’s got 30 days to indicate his attitude. In the meantime, he’ll be consulting with his lawyers and at the appropriate time he’ll make his position clear,” the report quoted Manyi as saying.
Meanwhile, the arms deal case is on hold pending the outcome of Zuma’s application to remove State advocate Billy Downer from the prosecution team.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
