South African Judge to File Criminal Complaint Against Zuma

A judge leading an inquiry into corruption in South Africa is set to lodge a criminal complaint with the police against Jacob Zuma after the former President walked out of a hearing last week.

“The summons directing Mr. Zuma to attend and remain in attendance was at the time of his departure from the commission still valid and binding, and had not been set aside,” Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said.

“I have decided to request the secretary of the commission to lay a criminal complaint with the South African police against Mr. Zuma so that the police can investigate his conduct,” Zondo added.

Mr. Zuma had tried to get Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo removed from the inquiry, accusing him of bias, but when that bid failed the former president and his lawyer did not return to face questions.

Zuma’s nine years as head of state until February 2018 were marred by scandal and is yet to comment on the development.

At least 34 witnesses have directly or indirectly implicated Mr. Zuma. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The commission, which has been hearing testimony since 2018, said it would also urgently approach South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, to compel Mr. Zuma to comply with the summons.

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