Cope calls on Zondo commission ‘to use law’ on Zuma
Congress of the People (Cope) says the commission of inquiry into state capture should take a leaf out of the Pietermaritzburg High Court’s book by using the law to force former president Jacob Zuma to testify.
Cope has come out in full support of Justice Dhaya Pillay who issued a warrant of arrest for Zuma after he failed to appear in court on Tuesday.
Zuma is facing charges, along with French arms manufacturer Thales, in connection with the country’s multi-billion rand arms deal.
However, the warrant was stayed and will only be effective if Zuma fails to appear in court on May 6.
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In January, Zuma’s attorney’s handed a medical certificate to court to explain the former president’s illness and his subsequent absence in court on February 4.
Cope's spokesperson Dennis Bloem wants the state capture commission’s chair, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, to use the same tactics.
"Cope welcomes the Justice Dhaya Pillay's decision to issue a warrant of arrest against Zuma. This will send out a very strong message to everybody that nobody is above the law, including the president of the country.
"It is our wish and hope that the Zondo Commission will take the same attitude towards Mr Zuma and anyone who wants to use delaying tactics in their bid to escape taking responsibility for their corruption actions that has so far plunged the country into an economic crisis.
He adds: “Zuma must have his day in court and at the Zondo Commission to clear his name."