The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has adjourned after former President Jacob Zuma's senior counsel, Muzi Sikhakhane, announced he would be pulling out of the proceedings.
Zuma and his senior counsel insist that he is being treated unfairly as a solution was not reached on Wednesday after he complained.
"We came here to tell you that we want to explore the option of going to our courts to challenge what we think is your decision, but you've told us it's not," Sikhakhane told Commission Chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
"In any event, I believe that a client, a witness like any witness, must be treated fairly and at this point, I'm not certain that I'd be doing my ethical duties if I proceeded in these proceedings," said Sikhakhane.
Commission evidence leader, Advocate Paul Pretorius, however, denied this and said Zuma's legal team is asking the commission to give him special treatment.
"Mr Zuma and his legal team are in effect asking to be excused from the application of the rules," Pretorius argued. "Rule 3 2 here is significant - it is not only incumbent upon us to ask questions to assist you to establish the truthfulness of any evidence - its part of the mandate."
The stand-off on Friday saw Zondo call for a meeting with both legal teams to seek a solution. He expressed his disappointment in the commission for not getting back to him on the outcome of Thursday's discussions.
Zuma's supporters, who filled the public gallery, rose to their feet and sang songs praising the former president, including the popular "Wenzeni uZuma", loosely translated, it means "what has Zuma done." The chorus reverberated inside the venue.
An agreement has now been reached between the to legal teams and Zuma will continue to participate.
(ANA)
