Presidency, State Attorney push for Jacob Zuma to pay interest on R28.9m legal fees
These legal fees are associated with Jacob Zuma's corruption trial.
Former President Jacob Zuma at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 20 March 2023. Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
John Maytham interviews Karyn Maughan, a legal journalist at News24.
Listen below.
The Presidency and State Attorney are advocating for Jacob Zuma to be ordered to pay interest on the R28.9 million in legal fees associated with his corruption trial.
This could significantly raise the total amount he owes.
The Gauteng High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal have decreed that the former president was ineligible for taxpayer funding for his defence and must reimburse it.
It was the Democratic Alliance (DA) who brought the matter of interest payments to court.
The stakes are high for Zuma, says Maughan, noting the potential garnishment of his pension if he fails to settle the debt.
She slammed Zuma for not defending himself ethically in court and actively undermining the State throughout.
She argues that due to Zuma's systemic exploitation, a resolution must necessitate some form of repayment, even if partial.
"What is so significant in this Jacob Zuma example, he has signed an agreement that if he was found guilty of those corruption offences, he would then be expected to pay back that money."
- Karyn Maughan, Legal Journalist – News24
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.