Zuma hits back in Zondo commission war of words
Former president Jacob Zuma on Thursday reiterated his belief that the commission of inquiry into state capture, headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, was established to tarnish his image.
In a statement released by the Jacob Zuma Foundation, the former president expressed his dissatisfaction with the commission's latest move to summons him.
Zuma is be expected to testify from 16-20 November, with Zondo making it clear that the dates are non-negotiable.
Zondo is expected to hear the application for his summons on Friday.
"We stated in our previous statement that the original application related to the time when President Zuma was abroad to seek medical treatment. Unfortunately, the chairperson refused to believe that President Zuma was genuinely ill and sought to meet his doctor, an undertaking he has failed to meet," the foundation said.
ALSO READ: Tshwane metro cop killed in head-on collision
"It is regrettable that the Secretariat, without acknowledging its erroneous understanding in this regard, has sought to surreptitiously smuggle a new application on the back of the original one that has become moot. We are utterly disappointed with this back-hand approach by such an important legal forum. It confirms our fear that this commission seeks to prejudice President Zuma in every respect.”
Zuma's lawyers have previously demanded Zondo’s recusal from the commission, staying the former president would not engage the commission while the deputy chief justice is at the helm of proceedings.