[WATCH] Zuma is not a criminal, says Hlaudi Motsoeneng

Motsoeneng attended the proceedings at the commission of inquiry into state capture for the first time on Friday.

Even though he has left the African National Congress (ANC) to start his own party, Motsoeneng is adamant that he would remain loyal to Zuma. 

"The only concern I have are the people mobalising against Jacob Zuma, we saw yesterday people mobalising for Sunday in defense of democracy. I think it is wrong for people to judge Zuma, he is not a criminal. We need to respect the commission and allow it to do its work." 

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Asked whether he believed the commission was established to target Zuma, Motsoeneng said the former public protector Thuli Madonsela, who recommended the establishment of the commission, cannot be trusted. 

"I warned Zuma to move away from the ANC, I told him they would take him to jail, but he still loves the ANC and that is okay."