Former President Jacob Zuma Faces Backlash Over Legal Cost Claims
Jacob Zuma has once again provoked controversy, this time over a suggestion that his late advocate, Kemp J Kemp, should be held accountable for the R28.9 million in taxpayer money spent on Zuma’s legal costs. This comes as the State Attorney intensifies efforts to recover the funds in line with a 2021 Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling.
The Legal Battle Over Millions
In January 2024, the State Attorney and the Presidency initiated legal proceedings against Zuma to reclaim the nearly R29 million used to cover his legal expenses. This was mandated by the SCA, which declared that Zuma was not entitled to state funding for his corruption trial defence.
Despite the clear ruling, Zuma has consistently argued that he is the victim of “financial misconduct” by the state. However, his latest claim that Kemp J Kemp, who represented him during significant legal battles, should repay the costs has been described as “bizarre” and “baseless” by State Attorney Isaac Chowe.
Chowe Criticizes Zuma’s Defense
In court papers filed at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, Chowe labelled Zuma’s claims as irrelevant and misleading. He emphasized that there is no legal precedent for attorneys to repay fees earned for services rendered.
“Pleadings and affidavits must be scrupulously honest,” Chowe stated. “Nothing should be asserted or denied without reasonable factual foundation.”
Zuma’s Defense Strategy
Zuma has sought to distance himself from the mounting costs of his legal defence, describing them as “luxurious” and blaming the state for agreeing to his choice of high-calibre legal representatives. According to Chowe, Zuma personally selected his legal team, insisting on senior advocates and accountants to handle his case.
Furthermore, Zuma has argued that the state’s attempts to recover the funds are “premature,” claiming the money can only be reclaimed if he is convicted in the ongoing corruption trial. However, this argument has been dismissed as meritless by the State Attorney.
Allegations of Bias
Zuma has also accused the State Attorney of racism, highlighting that apartheid-era officials, such as PW Botha and Magnus Malan, received state funding for their legal defences without similar efforts to recover the funds. Chowe countered that these officials were acquitted of their charges, unlike Zuma, who faces ongoing corruption allegations.
The Road Ahead
With the High Court set to decide whether Zuma’s assets can be attached to recover the legal fees, the former president’s battle with the state shows no signs of slowing down. The State Attorney remains steadfast in its pursuit, arguing that Zuma must be held accountable for the misuse of taxpayer funds.
Jacob Zuma’s suggestion that his late advocate be held liable for the R28.9 million legal bill has drawn widespread criticism. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case continues to spotlight issues of accountability and financial responsibility within South Africa’s justice system.
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