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South Africa's ex-president Zuma 'no show' at corruption inquiry

Monday, 15 February 2021 11:27 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 15 February 2021 11:27 AM ]

This photo taken on July 15, 2019 shows former South African president Jacob Zuma on his way to the Commission of Inquiry in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by AFP)

South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma has not shown up at a state inquiry into corruption during his time in office.

The former president defied an order by the country’s top court to appear before the commission on Monday to answer questions regarding allegations of high-level graft.

Zuma’s tenure in office from 2009 to 2018, which had coincided with the speedy rise of the Gupta family, was rife with accusations of corruption.

It is alleged that billions of dollars of state funds may have been looted through corrupt awarding of government tenders linked to the Gupta brothers.

Zuma’s lawyers confirmed in a letter to the inquiry that the former president would not attend the inquiry, where he was due to give evidence.

“The summons issued for our client to appear on Feb 15-19 2021 is irregular,” the letter said.

Zuma, 78, says he is innocent of any wrongdoing. However, he has not cooperated till now with the so-called “state capture” inquiry.

South Africa inquiry opens into alleged graft under Zuma

A public inquiry has opened in South Africa, probing alleged corruption under Zuma, who is accused of overseeing widespread graft during his nine-year reign.

He was removed from office by his ruling African National Congress (ANC) in February 2018, in a move orchestrated by allies of his successor Cyril Ramaphosa.

He was forced to resign when ANC lawmakers turned against him due to his proven links to the super-rich Gupta brothers.

The three Gupta brothers, who are originally from India, currently live in exile in the United Arab Emirates.

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