Shivambu Defends Zuma: Calls for CR17 Statements to Be Released
- EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Jacob Zuma
- Shivambu came to Zuma's defence, questioning the Zondo Inquiry's call to seek out jail time for the ex-president
- In the same breath, Shivambu called for the CR17 bank statements to be released to the public
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Economic Freedom Fighters Deputy President Floyd Shivambu has come out in Jacob Zuma's defence.
Shivambu recently highlighted portions of Zuma's statement released in response to the State Capture Inquiry announcing that it would be seeking jail time.
The ex-president had claimed that certain judicial figures are protecting President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Source: UGC
"We sit with some judges who have assisted the incumbent President to hide from society what on the face of it seems to be bribes obtained in order to win an internal ANC election. We sit with some judges who sealed those records simply because such records may reveal that some of them, while presiding in our courts, have had their hands filled with the proverbial 30 pieces of silver."
Zuma had been adamant that he is not protesting against the law, but the judiciary itself:
"I repeat, it is not the law against which I protest, as I refuse to subject myself to Zondo Commission. I protest against our black, red and green robes, dressing up some individuals that have long berated the Constitution and their oath of office. It is thos who allow it and look the other way that must do some reflection. You do not have to like me to do this reflection."
In response to these comments, Shivambu called for the CR17 bank statements to be released to the public.
In addition to this, he questioned why the Inquiry was pursuing jail time for the ex-president:
"How does this work? Didn't the former President's lawyers write this letter to the Commission to say they are going to appeal Zondo's presiding and refusal to recuse himself? Doesn't the law permit people to appeal? What's the imprisonment for?"
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has said that the commission will apply for a contempt of court order against the former president for his refusal to appear before the commission.
The Commission of Inquiry will also seek a jail term if Zuma is found to be in contempt of court. Jacob Zuma: South Africans comment on the decision to ditch Inquiry Zondo warned that Zuma's actions not to appear could set a precedent and encourage others from not appearing before the commission, therefore a prison term has been suggested to send a clear message.
“One of the things would be to impose a term of imprisonment on Mr Zuma and another would be to impose a fine. The commission will ask the Constitutional Court to impose a term of imprisonment if it finds Mr Zuma guilty of contempt court.”
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Source: Briefly News
