The Jacob G Zuma Foundation has criticised a recent high court judgment ordering former president Jacob Zuma to repay millions in legal fees.
The foundation described the ruling for Zuma to pay back R28.9 million spent on his arms deal case as “deeply unjust” and a reflection of “declining quality of judicial reasoning.”
‘UNFAIR PUNISHMENT’
In a statement on Sunday, the foundation said the ruling unfairly punishes Zuma for the state’s unconstitutional actions.
“The high court held that the State acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally in relation to the payment of President Zuma’s legal fees. Yet, in a troubling contradiction, the court proceeded to hold President Zuma personally liable for the consequences of that very unconstitutional conduct,” foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said.
The foundation’s response follows a Gauteng High Court ruling for the former president to repay the state in 60 days.
Should he fail to do so, the court may attach his assets.
The foundation said Zuma should not be held responsible for payments made by the state.
“The foundation remains confident that true justice will ultimately prevail, and that no citizen
should ever suffer for the unlawful conduct of the State,” it said.
