Zuma must appear, testify at Zondo commission, Constitutional Court rules
The Constitutional Court has ordered former president Jacob Zuma to appear and testify before the commission of inquiry into state capture.
The apex court handed down its ruling on Thursday after the commission earlier lodged an urgent application to compel the former head of state to appear and answer questions.
Zuma and his legal team walked out of the commission when the its chair, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, refused to recuse himself.
The court also ruled that the former president does not have the absolute right to remain silent by refusing to answer questions.
Justice Chris Jafta handed down the scathing judgement against the former president, which would see him pay the legal costs of the commission as well as two other counsels.
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“Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is ordered to obey all summons and directives lawfully issued by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector including organs of state,” Jafta said.
“Mr Jacob Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is directed to appear and give evidence before the commission on dates determined by it.
“It is declared that Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma doesn’t have a right to remain silent in proceedings before the commission.
“It is declared that Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is entitled to all privileges under section 3 subsection 4, including the privilege against self-incrimination.”
President Zuma is now expected to appear before the inquiry to respond to allegations that he facilitated the large-scale looting of public resources.
