State capture judgment an indictment of Zuma's supporters: retired judge

14 December 2017 - 08:42 By Nomahlubi Jordaan
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Retired ConCourt Judge Zak Yacoob.
Retired ConCourt Judge Zak Yacoob.
Image: Alon Skuy

Retired judge Zak Yacoob says the Pretoria High Court order dismissing President Jacob Zuma’s application to review the public protector’s state capture report is an indictment to those who support his leadership.

“It [the judgment] is justifiable because Zuma and his corrupt ANC have done our country so much harm‚” said Yacoob on Radio 702 on Thursday.

“It’s an indictment not only on Zuma. I think it’s an indictment to those in the ANC who’ve tolerated his leadership for so long‚” he said.

On Wednesday‚ Judge Dunstan Mlambo found that Zuma’s review application of former public protector Thuli Madonsela’s recommendations on alleged state capture was ill-advised and reckless. He also noted that it was a delaying tactic.

Zuma brought an application to set aside the remedial action.

Madonsela released a report‚ titled State of Capture‚ in November last year concerning allegations of an improper relationship between Zuma‚ state officials and the Gupta family.

The report recommended that‚ because Madonsela did not have enough funds to finalise the investigation‚ Zuma appoint a commission of inquiry to complete the work.

Madonsela recommended that the commission be established by Zuma but that the presiding judge should be chosen by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. Zuma took issue with the remedial action and applied to court to have it reviewed and set aside.

Yacoob said Zuma is likely to appeal the High Court order but he will lose.

“They will work it out and use our money to do the appeal … Zuma does not care at all. The judgment doesn’t matter. He is safe …He will get his presidential pension forever; he’s got his Nkandla. He cares for nothing.” 

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now