JZF awaiting briefing from Zuma before commenting on judgement

Former President Jacob Zuma has suffered a setback in the Gauteng High Court after it ruled that he is personally liable for nearly R29 million in legal expenses in the long-running arms deal corruption case.

The ruling orders Zuma to repay the state the funds that were used to cover his legal defence. The court also confirmed that he must pay interest on the outstanding amount, and that his pension can be attached to secure the payment.

The judgment follows a 2021 ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), which found that the State Attorney’s payments for Zuma’s legal fees were unlawful. The SCA had stated that the State Attorney's mandate is to act on behalf of the government, not to fund the private defence of an individual.

In the High Court, Zuma had argued that the state was justified in footing his legal bill because the corruption charges arose from actions performed in his capacity as a government official. He also argued that the SCA judgment did not explicitly state that he should personally repay the funds.

However, the High Court ruled today that Zuma must reimburse the State.

The Jacob Zuma Foundation (JZF) said it is awaiting a briefing from the former president’s legal team before it can comment on the judgment.

Willie Aucamp, a spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance (DA), insists that Zuma must comply with the judgment.

"The High Court has also confirmed that he must pay interest on the outstanding amount, and also that his pension can be attached in order to secure payment of that," Aucamp stated.