EFF Pushes to Attach Assets at Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla Over R1.3 Million Debt

Sheriff Blocked from Serving Writs of Execution as EFF Seeks Payment for Legal Costs

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is intensifying efforts to recover over R1.3 million in legal costs from former President Jacob Zuma. The party has pursued court orders to attach Zuma’s movable assets at his Nkandla homestead, following his failure to settle debts stemming from two legal battles.

Legal Costs Owed by Zuma

The EFF’s lawyer, Janyde Cupido, confirmed Zuma owes R1 338 159.65, which includes:

• R887,565.78 related to a withdrawn application concerning the Public Protector’s report on state capture.
• R450,593.87 from an application where Zuma was ordered to pay legal costs personally after attempting to block the release of Thuli Madonsela’s state capture report.

The party sent a letter of demand to Zuma’s attorneys in May 2023, but no payment was made.

Sheriff’s Attempts to Attach Assets

The sheriff of the court made three attempts in December 2024 to serve writs of execution at Nkandla, but was repeatedly blocked:

1. 12 December 2024: Police at Nkandla claimed Zuma was unavailable and refused the sheriff access.
2. 17 December 2024: The property was locked, and Zuma was reportedly at an event in Durban.
3. 18 December 2024: Despite returning, the sheriff found the premises locked and could not confirm if Zuma was home.

Security personnel, including individuals in military uniforms identifying as uMkhonto weSizwe members, further hindered access.

EFF’s Next Steps

Frustrated by the sheriff’s inability to execute the writs, the EFF announced plans to approach the courts for further legal recourse in early January 2025.

EFF leader Julius Malema has been vocal, threatening to attach Zuma’s assets, including his Nkandla residence, to recover the debt. Addressing supporters outside the Constitutional Court in November, Malema stated:
“In all the cases we won against Zuma, he never paid the legal fees. We have a court order, and he must comply.”

Police Deny Obstruction

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe denied allegations of obstructing the sheriff’s duties, claiming officers at Nkandla acted within their mandate to maintain security.

Jacob Zuma Foundation’s Response

Mzwanele Manyi, spokesperson for the Jacob G Zuma Foundation, declined to comment on the matter, questioning the media’s involvement in legal processes.

As the EFF pushes for enforcement of court orders, the saga over legal costs intensifies. Whether the courts will grant the party the authority to attach Zuma’s assets remains to be seen.

Also read: EFF Marches in Johannesburg as Constitutional Court Hears Phala Phala Case