Running scared? How Jacob Zuma plans to avoid State Capture Inquiry

We knew it was coming. The only questions was “when, not if”. But Jacob Zuma’s legal team have confirmed on Sunday that they plan to dodge the summons issued for the client to appear at the State Capture Inquiry.

Jacob Zuma – legal team plot path to safety

Zuma famously stormed out of proceedings last July, once questions about his interference with state-owned entities got a little too hot to handle. He was scheduled to reappear at the commission in late 2019, but he ended up pulling out due to sickness. Now, lawyers for the former president are going with a different play to prevent his scheduled grilling at the end of the month.

The team plan to oppose the application which will compel Jacob Zuma into returning to face the panel. On Tuesday, when the State Capture Inquiry resumes, it’s believed Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will officially table the motion for his colleagues to summon Msholozi to Johannesburg.

Lawyers ready to oppose summons

However, if this takes place as planned, Advocate Daniel Mantsha has confirmed “former President Zuma will be opposing the commission application”.

News: Former president Jacob Zuma’s lawyers will on Tuesday oppose an application that is aimed at compelling the former statesman to reappear at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture in two weeks’ time.#CapitalBeakfast #GoalMonday with @mphohadzhi

— Capitallivesa (@Capitallivesa1) January 13, 2020

State Capture Inquiry latest – will Jacob Zuma appear?

It wouldn’t be overly speculative to say that Jacob Zuma is running scared. His last appearance at the State Capture Inquiry ended disastrously, as skeletons tumbled out the closet following a tough line of questioning. JZ then clammed-up, and had dramatically quit the Commission in the same afternoon.

Hardly the actions of an innocent man, appealing the summons would be the second time Zuma has declined the chance to set the record straight. He may also be spooked by new rules introduced by Zondo – the DCJ is planning to make it an offence to ‘obstruct’ the inquiry, and those who refuse to answer questions or give misleading answers could face further legal action.

• If the appeal is unsuccessful, Jacob Zuma will be in the hot seat from 27 – 31 January.