In a significant legal ruling, the Pretoria High Court has mandated former South African President Jacob Zuma to reimburse the Office of the State Attorney 28.9 million rand (approximately $1.6 million) for legal fees accrued during his private litigations. The court, presided over by Judge Anthony Millar, has given Zuma a 60-day ultimatum to settle the debt, warning that failure to comply could result in the seizure of his assets, including his presidential pension. This decision underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on holding public officials accountable for misusing state resources. Zuma, who led South Africa from 2009 to 2018, has been entangled in numerous legal battles, primarily concerning corruption allegations and the misuse of public funds. Initially, the state covered his legal expenses, but subsequent rulings by the Gauteng High Court in December 2018 and the Supreme Court of Appeal in April 2021 clarified that such expenditures must be repaid by the individual. Court documents reveal that interest on approximately 18.9 million rand (about $1 million) will accrue from January 25, 2024, until the debt is settled. Zuma’s legal woes are compounded by his 2021 imprisonment for contempt of court and ongoing charges related to a controversial arms deal from 1999. Additionally, his expulsion from the African National Congress in 2024 and the formation of his new political party, uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), have further complicated his political legacy. Following the court’s decision, the MKP announced that Zuma will address the nation on Thursday, though details remain scarce.
Judge orders former South African President Zuma to repay $1.6 million in legal fees
