Main witness and author of the forensic report in the Zuma corruption trial has died

The main witness and author of the forensic report in the corruption trial against former president Jacob Zuma have died.

Reports suggest that Johan van der Walt died of natural causes in Johannesburg. The exact cause of his death is unknown at this stage.

IT IS BELIEVED HE DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES

He was the senior managing director of FTI Consulting.

Van der Walt was known for referring to himself as a “bloodhound” auditor.

He was a partner and forensic auditor at KPMG before he joined the consulting firm in 2017.

ALSO READ: Just in: Former president Zuma to remain in hospital

Van der Walt testified in the corruption trial of Schabir Shaik and two former senior Saambou Bank officials, Charles Edwards and Gerhardus De Clercq.

However, the duo was found not guilty to the ten counts of fraud, theft, and two of contravening the Companies Act, involving R640m.

He was listed as the main witness in Zuma’s corruption trial, which is expected to commence in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

HERE IS THE LATEST ON ZUMA:

Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services has confirmed former president Jacob Zuma will remain in the hospital after undergoing surgery on Saturday.

The spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services Singabakho Nxumalo said more procedures are scheduled for the coming days.

“As a result, DCS is unable to predict a discharge date as our priority at this stage is for Mr Zuma to be afforded the best care possible.”

He said inmates are placed in correctional centres involuntarily and the state has a total and inescapable
responsibility and duty to care for them in a manner that does not violate or compromise their constitutional rights, which include access to health care.

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“We appeal to all people to refrain from speculating on the health of Mr Zuma and allow medical
practitioners space to continue providing quality healthcare to him.”

The former president was admitted to the hospital about two weeks ago for a routine check-up.

He is serving a 15-month sentence at Estcourt Correctional Centre after he was convicted of contempt of court.

No information could be given about the surgical procedure.