Zondo Commission to lay criminal complaint against Jacob Zuma

The State Capture Commission intends filing a criminal complaint against former president Jacob Zuma for failing to appear before the proceedings in January 2021, as per his summons.

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Zuma was scheduled to appear for a week in January and another week in February. At the former president was due to first take the stand between 18 and 22 January, the Constitutional Court hadn’t yet ruled whether or not he can testify. The highest court in the land had heard an application by the State Capture Commission, seeking an order to compel Zuma to appear.

The Commission, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, is looking into allegations of widespread corruption within the public sector, in which Zuma is considered a central figure. The commission said.

“With regard to Zuma’s decision to not appear before the commission during the week of 18th to 22 January 2021, as he had been required to do in terms of the Commission’s summonses served on him, the Chairperson has asked the Secretary of the Commission to lay a criminal complaint against Mr. Zuma. The Commission’s Legal Team will assist the Secretary.”

The Constitutional Court ruled that Zuma is compelled to appear before the State Capture Commission, however the former president was quick to respond by saying he would not oblige by the order and would no longer cooperate.

State Capture Commission warns Zuma against not showing up

If his shocking reaction is anything to go by, Zuma will unlikely be fazed by the commission’s move to file charges. The Hawks are yet to give an update on their “investigation” into Zuma’s decision to walk out during proceedings in November 2020, after Zondo rejected his application for him to recuse himself.

With his next appearance date looming, the commission has warned that further steps will be taken should decide to again not show up. He is schedule to appear from 15 to 19 February 2021, this would have been the last time he testifies before the commission eventually concludes its work in March.

“Should Mr. Zuma carry out his decision not to appear before the Commission on 15 February 2021, and therefore, act in breach of the summons and in contempt of the order of the Constitutional Court, the Commission will announce on that day what further action it will take in regard to such conduct.”