JOHANNESBURG, September 29 (ANA) – The North Gauteng High Court on Friday turned down the application by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to compel President Jacob Zuma to immediately implement the Public Protectors remedial action recommended in her “State of Capture” report.
Earlier in 2017, the then Public Protector Thuli Madonsela ordered that, within 30 days, Zuma must establish a judicial commission of inquiry led by a judge appointed by the chief justice. However, the President has taken her remedial action on review.
While handing down judgement, Judge Motsamai Makume said that he did not feel that it was in the interest of justice to compel Zuma to appoint commission before the review was heard. The review will be heard next month.
In his court application, Zuma said the remedial action undermined the President’s constitutional authority to institute such proceedings.
Judge Makume concluded that granting immediate implementation of the state capture inquiry could cause irreparable harm in relation to the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.
The DA, which had argued that Zuma’s taking the matter on review did not equate to suspending it, was ordered together with the Public Proto pay costs.
Reacting to the judgement the DA said it had noted “with interest” the judgement.
“This matter has not been dismissed but has in fact been held back pending the outcome of the President’s review application, which will be heard at the end of October, where we will also be in court to continue this fight for accountability,” said James Selfe, the DA Federal Council Chairperson.
“We will study the judgement in full and continue this fight until all individuals and organisations implicated in State Capture are held accountable.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
