State should not be liable for Zuma's R10 million in legal fees
A reply to a Democratic Alliance (DA) parliamentary question [see below] shows that the state has paid almost R10 million to date for ANC President Jacob Zuma's legal fees. This figure only reflects the state's latest expenditure on his corruption trial and is likely to grow exponentially if and when his criminal trial proceeds.
The DA has always maintained that the state should not be liable for the enormous legal costs associated with the corruption charges levelled against Zuma. While it is common practice in countries around the world to pay such costs when charges relate to the carrying out of official duties, it is certainly not so when as in this case, the charges relate to possible criminal misconduct and are wholly unrelated to the work of the state. The state's decision to foot this growing legal bill therefore seems to imply that allegedly soliciting bribes is a normal part of the duties of the Deputy President, a clearly nonsensical and highly problematic position.
The millions being spent on Mr Zuma's legal fees must also be seen against the backdrop of the over R1 million a month that is being spent on his ever-expanding security detail. These expenses combined seem entirely out of step with what should be provided to someone who is no longer a public representative or government official.
Statement issued by Len Joubert MP, Democratic Alliance spokesperson on justice and constitutional development, August 29 2008
DEPARTMENT: JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 1214
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 AUGUST 2008
Mr L K Joubert (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:
(a) What is the total amount paid by the State up to the latest specified date for which information is available towards a certain person's legal fees (name furnished) in respect of (i) the rape trail and (ii) his corruption trial and (b) on what basis are these payments made from public finds?
REPLY
(a)(i) None
(a)(ii) R 9,676,176.21 has been paid to date.
(b) The legal representation in the corruption matter is provided as the State has a direct interest in the matter as it is alleged that the charges relate to the Strategic arms procurement process entered into by the State.
As a result of the direct interest of the State in the matter, the Presidency agreed to pay the cost of the legal representation in that matter subject to the condition that, in the event of a conviction in the case, the funds expended on the legal representation will be recovered from the accused.