Jacob Zuma loses another court bid over his legal fees
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it is 'delighted' by the ruling in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that former President Jacob Zuma will have to pay back the money spent on his legal fees.
Zuma appealed the court ruling of December 2018, ordering him to repay more than R16million spent by the state on his corruption trial defense.
The battle started before Zuma was inaugurated as President in 2009 and continued during his presidency.
Although the law does state that the head of state is entitled to have their legal fees covered by the state, Zuma used taxpayer money to fund personal battles that began before he assumed the presidency.
In its latest ruling, the High Court in Pretoria has instructed the state attorney to take steps towards recovering the money.
The case was brought by the DA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The DA's James Selfe says the party has always believed that taxpayers' money should not be used to pay for Zuma's legal fees.
"We are deeply concerned that the State Attorney has indicated that the state will pay for Jacob Zuma's legal cost when he appears in front of the Zondo Commission," adds Selfe.
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Zuma's legal representative, Advocate Mike Hellens, told JacarandaFM News on Thursday morning he will first study the judgement before the team will make any further comment.
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Judgment in the application by Zuma for a permanent stay of prosecution has been reserved. Zuma said though he fought for democracy, the very same system is now refusing to pay his legal fees.