Former President Jacob Zuma is back in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal high court on Monday (20 May) on multiple charge of corruption. The former President is accused of fraud, money laundering and racketeering, but he’s denying the charges, saying it is all part of political plot.
On his opening statement, Zuma’s lawyer Muzi Sikhakhane told the Pietermaritzburg High Court that Zuma is targeted because the public does not like what he has done.
He added that society has unleashed mob justice on the former president, saying he has been treated less humanely.
Sikhakhane says he will not concede that a caring state would warrant acting unlawfully because it doesn’t like what people have done. Things must be done within the Constitution.
The charges against Zuma were first raised more than 10 years ago but were withdrawn by the National Prosecution Authority in 2008. The charges were recalled after a court ruled that there is passable grounds to bring him back to trial.
Supporters came in numbers, most of them wearing their African National Congress attire outside the Pietermaritzburg high court. Among them was Black First Land First supporter and their President Andile Mngxithama.
Mngxithama was one of those who went on stage to offer message of support to the former president.
Mngxithama started off by saying since his party is not in parliament, land won’t be returned.
“Why is Zuma in court when Markus Jooste and FE De Klerk are not?” he added.
His sons Edward and Duduzane Zuma were also in court to support to offer him support.
