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Legal fees

Jacob Zuma's Lawyers Argue State Officials Responsible for Illegally Funding His Legal Fees

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lawyers representing ex-president Jacob Zuma argue that State officials who unlawfully granted him money for his legal fees should be held accountable. The Presidency and State Attorney seek to recover more than R28 million spent on Zuma's legal fees, which Zuma's lawyers claim was paid from the State coffers following wrong legal advice. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, heard that officials who allowed the State to pay for Zuma's legal fees up until 2019 should be held liable to pay the money back, as it was irregular expenditure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jacob Zuma's lawyers argue that State officials who granted him money for his legal fees should be held accountable, and that Zuma is not responsible for the irregular expenditure.
  • The Presidency and State Attorney seek to recover more than R28 million spent on Zuma's legal fees, which includes a luxurious scale of litigation.
  • Advocate Thabani Masuku for Zuma stated that Zuma did not act unconstitutionally, but was rather a victim of wrong legal advice to the State.
  • Judge Anthony Millar questioned how Zuma would live if his pension was taken, given his age and financial obligations.
  • The DA, also an applicant in the application, argued that interest should be calculated on the R28 million and that Zuma's pension should be attached to ensure payment of the debt.
  • Zuma stands to lose his home and pension if he is ordered to pay the money back, while this is considered the State's fault.

Statistics:

  • R28 million: the amount spent on Zuma's legal fees, which includes a luxurious scale of litigation.
  • 2019: the year in which the court put an end to the State paying for Zuma's legal fees.
  • R28 million: the amount that the Presidency and State Attorney seek to recover from Zuma.

Sources:

  • SAPeople News: "Lawyers for Jacob Zuma argue that State officials responsible for funding his legal fees should be held accountable"
  • iol.co.za: "Zuma's lawyers argue he was not to blame for payment of his legal fees out of state coffers"
  • TimesLive: "Jacob Zuma's lawyers argue State should be held liable for funding his legal fees"

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