The highly contentious “state capture†report compiled by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela must be released and published “forthwithâ€, a full bench of three Pretoria High Court judges ordered on Wednesday.
“The Public Protector is ordered to publish the report forthwith, and by no later than 5pm on November 2, 2016. This includes publication [of the report] on the Public Protector website,†Judge President Dunstan Mlambo said on behalf of the three judges.
“The applicant [President Jacob Zuma] is ordered to pay the cost of the application…â€
Mlambo also said the application brought by Zuma, seeking to interdict the release of the state capture report had been formally withdrawn.
The report probed into allegations that the controversial Gupta family – who have close ties with Zuma – had undue influence on the appointment of ministers.
Loud cheers echoed in the packed courtroom with members of Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance having celebrated loudly.
– African News Agency (ANA)
