Ex-South African president ordered to repay state funds

Judges in Pretoria have directed that Jacob Zuma’s assets be seized and sold if he does not pay the debt within 60 days

The High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday ordered former South African President Jacob Zuma to repay over R28.9 million (about $1.66 million) in public money spent on his private legal battles.

The interest is on R18.9 million, running from 25 January 2024 to the date of payment.

Judge Anthony Millar ordered Zuma to make this payment to the State Attorney - R28,960,774,34 - as well as pay interest as calculated at the prescribed rate. 

It was also ordered that in the event that Zuma fails to satisfy the judgment debt in this matter within 60 days of the date of the court’s order, the State Attorney is directed to have a writ of execution issued by the Registrar of this Court for the attachment and sale of his immovable and/or movable properties to satisfy the judgment debt.

READ MORE: South Africa seeks to recoup public funds from former president

This includes his presidential pension benefit, or portion thereof, if required and subject to an order of court authorising that such attachment order can be issued.

Judge Millar also ordered that the State Attorney must report on affidavit, to the court within three months of the date of the order, and thereafter every three months until Zuma’s debt is paid.

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The State Attorney must report to the court on the steps it has taken to obtain the money or the steps it intends to take to get the money.

Zuma is also liable for the legal fees related to this application.

First published by IOL