Zondo dismisses Zuma’s recusal application

The chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, has dismissed former president Jacob Zuma’s application for him to recuse himself from hearing the former president’s testimony.

The State Capture Commission on Thursday morning heard the ruling in former president Jacob Zuma’s application to have chairperson, Deputy Chief Raymond Zondo, recused from his position. 

The ruling was due to be delivered on Wednesday afternoon, but after a last-minute affidavit submitted by Zuma which Zondo needed to consider, it was set for Thursday.

Zuma’s legal team feel the former president has been targeted in the hearings, and said Zondo “is no longer capable of exercising an independent and impartial mind”. 

Muzi Sikhakhane, for Zuma, said at the commission on Monday that certain comments made by Zondo during proceedings made Zuma feel as though he was being unfairly persecuted. 

Zondo’s recusal, according to Sikhakhane, was essential in allowing Zuma to present evidence before the commission, adding that he was “mindful of the crisis it would create”. 

Zuma also alleged in papers earlier this week that he and Zondo were friends, a statement vehemently denied by Zondo. 

The statement was branded as “not accurate”, with Zondo saying they did not socialise, and only met at governmental functions. 

Sikhakhane said on Tuesday that Zuma planned to put a statement on record which would potentially dispute Zondo’s recollection of events, as well as the alleged friendship. 

Watch the hearing live below: 

Source: citizen.co.za