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Ex-presidents

Zuma's Legal Fees: State Officials Face Criticism Amid R28 Million Recovery Efforts

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, heard arguments yesterday regarding the repayment of R28 million spent on former President Jacob Zuma's legal fees. Counsel for Zuma questioned why he should be held accountable for the expenditure, pointing out that state officials who granted him the money through wrong legal advice should be held liable instead. The State Attorney and Presidency argue that two previous court judgments ordered the State to recover the money, with the amount now calculated.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zuma's counsel, Advocate Thabani Masuku, argued that Zuma was not granted the money through corruption, but rather due to wrong legal advice to the state.
  • Masuku maintained that state officials who paid for Zuma's legal fees should be held accountable, as they were the ones who acted unconstitutionally.
  • The State Attorney and Presidency, represented by Advocate George Avvakoumides, argued that two previous court judgments ordered the State to recover the money, with the amount now calculated.
  • Avvakoumides stated that Zuma used the funds to litigate on a "luxurious scale," but noted that they are not unsympathetic towards Zuma, given his expectation of public funding.
  • The DA, represented by Advocate Sean Rosenberg, argued that if Zuma is ordered to repay the amount and is unable to do so, his pension should be attached to ensure payment.
  • Judge Anthony Millar questioned whether it was appropriate to attach Zuma's pension, considering his age and financial obligations.
  • Masuku maintained that Zuma is the victim of bias, as the actual perpetrators (state officials) are being cleared while he is being held accountable.

Statistics:

  • R28 million: The amount calculated as owed by the State to Zuma regarding his legal fees.
  • R28 million: The amount requested back by the Presidency and State Attorney.
  • 2: The number of previous court judgments ordering the State to recover the money.

Sources:

  • "Zuma's Legal Fees: State Officials Face Criticism Amid R28 Million Recovery Efforts" by [Original Publication], [Publication Date] (Note: No exact publication date is provided in the original text)

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