The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria has ordered former president Jacob Zuma to repay R28.9 million to the Office of the State Attorney, setting a 60-day deadline and allowing the state to seize assets if he does not meet the judgment. (AP News)
According to EWN, Zuma said he had not yet consulted his legal team about the repayment and that he was abroad when the matter was heard.
He told reporters he would meet his lawyers to decide the way forward and that the party would communicate any final decision in due course.
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The judgment covers legal costs linked to long-running litigation tied to alleged corruption related to the 1999 arms deal.
Court papers show interest is accruing on about R18.9 million from 25 January 2024 until full payment is made.
A 2018 High Court ruling found that using taxpayer funds for Zuma’s private legal representation was unlawful and ordered him to repay the money.
Legal teams for the State Attorney and the Presidency brought the recovery action earlier this year.
The court expressly authorised the attachment of assets, including a presidential pension, should Zuma fail to comply with the order within the prescribed period.
The state will apply enforcement steps if payment does not occur.
The ruling adds a new legal and political chapter for Zuma and the MK Party as they prepare for further public statements and legal consultations.
The next two months will determine whether the debt is settled voluntarily or enforcement follows.
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