Key Witness in Zuma's Corruption Trial Dies, Exact Cause of Death Unknown

• Johan van der Walt, a key witness in former president Jacob Zuma's corruption trial has passed away
• Reports indicate that he died from natural causes but the exact cause of death has not been established
• He wrote the forensic report that underpins the corruption trial against former president

Johan van der Walt, the author of the forensic report that underpins the corruption trial against former president Jacob Zuma has died.

He was a key witness in the trial. He passed away from natural causes but the exact cause of death is unknown.

He was known for his excellent work and was often referred to as a "bloodhound" auditor according to IOL.

Van der Walt had also testified against Shabir Shaik and former senior Saambou Bank officials, Charles Edwards and Gerhardus De Clercq.

Read also

Ramaphosa reacts to Zuma's message calling on people to vote for the ANC

He was due to testify at Zuma's corruption trial that will resume in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

News24 reported that KPMG distanced itself from Van der Walt and his report when he left the firm.

Saffas applaud President Cyril Ramaphosa for pitching up at Zondo Commission

Earlier, Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent appearance at the State Capture Inquiry has gone down well with some South Africans.

This is after Ramaphosa revealed that he and other party members made the choice to work as public servants within the structures of the ruling party and government in order to tackle state capture, according to SABC News.

As part of his glaring testimony, the president claimed that many of those who were trying to fight back against the systemic political corruption instigated by the Guptas for their private interests were surprised by their influence to facilitate further corruption.

Read also

Jacob Zuma to have national prayer held due to 'dark forces' against him: 'Nkos'yam'

State capture: Ramaphosa says he takes full responsibility for choices he made

In an earlier report, Briefly News reported that on the last day of testimony at the State Capture Inquiry, Ramaphosa stated that he was steadfast in the decisions he took.

But Ramaphosa indicated that he accepts full responsibility for his decisions and that he will not back down from them.

Before proceedings ended on Thursday, Ramaphosa was questioned about his decision to bring the State Security Agency (SSA) under the Ministry of the Presidency portfolio last week, reports Daily Maverick.

Ramaphosa revealed that the SSA has been involved in a number of controversial incidents over the years and needed to be realigned with the objectives of the state.

Source: Briefly News