Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been ordered by the High Court in Pretoria to repay roughly $1.7 million in public funds used to cover his personal legal costs, or face the seizure of his assets if he fails to comply within 60 days.
Judge Anthony Millar delivered the ruling on Wednesday, authorizing state attorneys to issue a writ of execution for the attachment and sale of Zuma’s movable and immovable property to recover the debt. The order also allows for the potential garnishing of Zuma’s presidential pension benefits.
The decision stems from a protracted dispute over Zuma’s use of nearly 29 million rand in state funds to finance his personal legal defense in criminal and related cases. The South African government, supported by opposition parties including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), argued that Zuma should personally bear these costs as the charges were brought against him in his individual capacity.
The court’s ruling reinforces a 2018 judgment declaring the state’s payment of Zuma’s legal expenses unlawful. However, efforts to recover the money have been repeatedly delayed amid Zuma’s claims that the legal support was appropriate during his presidency.
This latest order adds to the growing legal and financial pressure on Zuma, who remains entangled in multiple corruption-related cases linked to his tenure as president.
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Source:Africa Publicity
