Shaik-Zuma friendship queried
2005-06-01 12:36
Durban - Judge Hilary Squires questioned on Wednesday the true nature of fraud and corruption accused Schabir Shaik's friendship with deputy president Jacob Zuma.
"Genuine friendship would not have resorted to such blatant advertising," Squires said during his second day of judgment in the Durban High Court.
He pointed out the instances when Shaik "emblazoned" the unofficial title of financial adviser and economic adviser to Zuma on letterheads and business cards.
Squires also said how Shaik invited potential joint venture partners with his company Nkobi to meet Zuma.
Squires said according to Shaik's evidence his relationship with Zuma was "fortified by a sense of loyalty and camaraderie" which started during the days of the anti-apartheid struggle.
Summing up the evidence, Squires said Zuma had told Shaik he had considered leaving politics because of his "precarious financial position".
Helped Zuma to live beyond his means
The judge said Shaik did not want this to happen but instead of stabilising and managing Zuma's financial affairs, Shaik continued to make it possible for Zuma to live beyond his means.
This happened at the time when the Nkobi Group - Shaik's companies - had not yet started paying dividends and could not afford it.
This, Squires said, "flies in the face of ordinary common sense".
He said Zuma could not repay Shaik with money but paid him with the use of his name.
He said Shaik must have foreseen that if he made payments to and on behalf of Zuma, that Zuma would respond.
"He embarked on a never ending series of payments... because he realised the possible advantages to provide the means to remain in Zuma's good books and retain a lifestyle beyond what he (Zuma) could afford."
- SAPA