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Zuma case: SA's most expensive?

2009-01-27 09:05

Mike van Rooyen

Bloemfontein - Before ANC president Jacob Zuma has even stepped into the dock and is asked to plead, his trial is turning into what may become the most expensive criminal case yet in South Africa.

Apart from the R10.7m that taxpayers have paid for his legal fees, the State's cost in setting up the prosecution has yet to be determined. A legal source in the Free State has said the amount could be as much as Zuma's legal fees.

The Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust believes the total cost of the Zuma prosecution could be around R100m.

The trust has threatened court action over the legal fees. They believe the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is wasting money through "bungling, weakening tactics and by appointing three senior private advocates" in what they call a "political trial".

Zuma will appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on February 4 to hear the court date when he will probably appear to face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

Top advocates

An independent legal consultant said the appeal record of one of Zuma's cases in the Supreme Court of Appeal ran to 15 000 pages. It cost more than R300 000 just to make copies for all the relevant parties.

The NPA used one of the top five advocates in the country, Advocate Wim Trengove SC, at a cost of no less than R30 000 per day.

Advocate Kemp J Kemp SC, who has been representing Zuma, asks around R25 000 a day. His junior's fees are just over 60% of that fee.

The legal fees consultant said Trengove and Kemp's fees for consultation and preparations - at about R3 000 and R2 500 per hour - were much more than the cost per day in court.

A legal expert said the extent of litigation in the Zuma case was outrageous as he "had a free ride.

"If he had to pay his own fees, he would have been in the dock long ago.

"Now he has a free pass to the taxpayer's pocket. And the taxpayer pays double: for Zuma and the prosecuting authority."

- Volksblad


rich 1/27/2009 9:19:56 AM
good to know that zuma is STEALING the tax payers money for himself, its just great to know someone like this could be running our country, maybe zuma should go party it up with mugabe in Malaysia, use the tax payers money to buy some pina coladas.

hopeful? 1/27/2009 9:20:29 AM
this is the most ridiculous thing that has happened in this country. zuma has become the bane of my existence, and now i'm paying for his legal fee's? wow.......daylight robbery

jackey 1/27/2009 9:22:43 AM
Why should we tax [payer have to flok out R100m for someone that claims his innocent but do not want to have his day in court ?? He knows that the R100m will all go down the drain and worst still we must still pay for his time in Jail.

Houston 1/27/2009 9:24:24 AM
I love watching this government waste my hard earned tax dollars - this is laughable, the ANC should pay for this out of their own coffers, if this was the case they may not be so quick to defend the heathen!

Gary 1/27/2009 9:27:28 AM
Why don't NPA save tax payers money and rather just cut a deal. We all know that the eventual outcome will, at most, be a slap on the wrist.

Ashanzi 1/27/2009 9:31:09 AM
How on Earth do Trengove and Kemp justify these charges of R25,000 to R30,000 per DAY? I don't care what VALUE they bring to the judicial system - I'm asking the question from a MORAL standpoint, particularly where we, the taxpayer, are paying these exhorbitant fees. Sorry, guys, but this is just an utter rip-off.

Old, female, pale face 1/27/2009 9:32:40 AM
The Treasury is there for the protection of our RULERS and not to SERVE those who have to keep it filled. At least I do not pay tax as next year is gonna be soooo uncool. This is AFRICA - enjoy the sunshine.

Vinesh Ramlugan 1/27/2009 9:35:39 AM
This sick man is wasting our time and money again. Let,s face it we know he is guilty as hell!!! Just say you are guilty Zuma and face your punishment like a man you claim to be. We could have just used all those million,s of rands to feed and house the poor people in South Africa. You claim to be a Christian. What you are doing does not make you one.

Nicole 1/27/2009 9:35:57 AM
for me to decide not to pay taxes and risk going to jail myself! How can our hard earned money go towards keeping that scum out of jail? Is this even legal?

Gatvol 1/27/2009 9:36:02 AM
Just shows you how our powers are abusing their rights and wasting money on people that should be dealt with in a swift manner. If I'm paying for your legal fees then I should have a say in your case!!!! Up to know I believe....GUILTY!!!!!! Now please go spend my money on building this country up and not on sick individuals....PLZ!!!!!

Kingzile 1/27/2009 9:39:21 AM
I have always known that this political case is too expensive, but not this expensive. I have also always questioned on whose interest this case is, it is clear that it is not even in public interest. I mean how does the state justify spending 100m for someone alleged to have taken 500 000. This money should have proportionally spent on people who have really embezled the state in the Arms deal, Zuma is a small fish in this. Why are we giving chase to lizard when crocodiles are roaming free

Reality... 1/27/2009 9:39:42 AM
It is alot of money for a court case, but imagine the cost if we let him go free and he ruins our whole country...LOCK HIM UP !!!

mikeh 1/27/2009 9:41:57 AM
It is disgraceful that the taxpayer has to pay to It is a disgrace that we should defend a man of Zuma's class. He is a disgrace and should have to defend himself which he cannot do.God help us that this man will probably be president of the country. Downhill South Africa.

Theo 1/27/2009 9:41:59 AM
This has got to stop. This organisation is just a bunch of thieves, hooligans and idiots

Credonius 1/27/2009 9:42:44 AM
Are the taxpayers aware that so much money is wasted on this trial? Is Zuma aware that he is abusing the tax payers (including the masses) for his delaying tactics in this fraud case? Where did we fail here? I say we, coz this waste of money also affects us, the ordinary people. We all want the right people in cabinet. Why don't COPE, DA, UDM, ACDP highlight these in their electioneering so that SA vote aware of the unnecessary burden that these delaying tactics by Zuma cost us?

sars 1/27/2009 9:43:29 AM
I urge everyone to reduce their tax payments legally or illegally. Which is the lesser evil, wanton waste of hard earned wages or re directing one's earnings towards one's self / family.

embarassed-to-be-a-South-African 1/27/2009 9:46:29 AM
WHY IS SA WASTING THIS MONEY ON THIS WASTE OF A PERSON? HE IS NOT FIT TO BECOME THE NEXT PRESIDENT - STEPPING DOWN WOULD BE THE THING TO DO - I WANT A CLEAN PRESIDENT LIKE MR OBAMA - WITH NO BAGGAGE - BUT I KNOW NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS ZUMA WILL PRESS ON - WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO? GOD HELP AFRICA!

Jannas 1/27/2009 9:50:05 AM
If a social welfare pensioner receive around R 800 per month, this amount could keep just over 10 000 poor people for a year. He must be worth quite a lot or .... is it part of the ANC's strategy to try and keep him from facing the music for fear of JZ implicating a lot of them?

zuma 1/27/2009 9:50:23 AM
you voted the ANC in power this is what u get, Vote differently this time plz. Zuma should have been in jail in 2005 already but no he will keeps appealing why - its for free! so everytime the ANC takes ur 40% of ur hard earned money to waste on Zuma his 100 bodyguards. do u know how much the gov has spent on his security? way more than a R200mil for security,travel,accomodation in the last 4yrs he has been running from the law, this is just the tip of the iceberg - legal fees search deeper...1

Kenroid 1/27/2009 9:52:38 AM
If Zuma gets jail time - then all this will be worth it! I would rather fork out the R100 million to see him in jail than have him ruling the country for the next 4 - 8 years!!!!!!!! If Zuma becomes president, I am sure that it will cost this country WWWWAAAAAYYYYY more than R100 million!!!

Alban Naidoo 1/27/2009 9:54:14 AM
If Shaik received 5 million in interests, Zuma must have made a substantial amount. use this to pay for your legal fees.

Nasua 1/27/2009 9:56:17 AM
Please Guys dont blame Zuma, This is a politically motivated case. Let NPA leaves this guy alone so he can stay free in his country like any south african. Use the money to reduce crime.

Lebo 1/27/2009 9:56:45 AM
Who asked the taxpayer if we want to pay for his trial? I can answer that for you nobody would have agreed, so the goverment goes right ahead and pays for him. It will only be worth it if he is found guilty.

Shwaa 1/27/2009 9:57:38 AM
Why don't all the People that believe in the man, support the man financially! Because I don't want to support him as a Taxpayer! In any other country a official would have stepped down and cleared there name before dragging his name and that of his parties through the Mud.(That?s one hell of a Party!!! HAPPY HAPPY!) 2009 VOTE for SALE!

Sayitbetter 1/27/2009 10:00:08 AM
Unless you can provide proof of this allegation "Now he has a free pass to the taxpayer's pocket. And the taxpayer pays double: for Zuma and the prosecuting authority."-you shall have to withdraw.

JK 1/27/2009 10:01:21 AM
If the ANC spent R100m (of OUR money)on housing, education, health, crime prevention etc. instead of defending their idol, maybe the general population would be a little happier with them. And think how much less it would have cost if JZ wasn't so intent on NOT having his day in court. This whole thing could have been done and dusted months ago!

Shawn 1/27/2009 10:02:03 AM
What a joke! Thank the pope that people like Lekota and co have broken away from this corrupt entity ruining our country...

Belinda 1/27/2009 10:03:11 AM
Please can someone explain to me why the taxpayer is fitting the cost for Zuma's legal fees?

Vuma 1/27/2009 10:05:10 AM
why are the tax payers on trial?? if Zuma was innocent a cheap lawyer would do the job... makes you think?

Filemon 1/27/2009 10:05:50 AM
Why does the taxpayer have to pay for criminals. Why don't thay use Legal Aid if they can't afford there lawyers? Why can the afford the TOP and most EXPENSIVE lawyers / advocates?

Chris 1/27/2009 10:09:31 AM
What a prime example the ANC set to the rest of the country. What a shocker!!

Blum 1/27/2009 10:11:46 AM
I dont care how much it cost , but if he cant pay for himself , he should get a cheaper one . They are already wasting money on other stuff why don't they complain about that ? . I'll pay to see him in Jail .

Curious_George 1/27/2009 10:12:47 AM
You cannot put a price on Jesus!

IandI 1/27/2009 10:13:39 AM
R100m?To prosecute him for an alleged bribe of R500 000? Just great. I am going to work for the government and make sure they get to pay for all the crimes I might commmit while in their employ. Viva democrazy, viva!

jacob 1/27/2009 10:13:50 AM
you voted the ANC in power this is what u get, Vote differently this time plz. Zuma should have been in jail in 2005 already but no he will keeps appealing why - its for free! so everytime the ANC takes ur 40% of ur hard earned money to waste on Zuma his 100 bodyguards. do u know how much the gov has spent on his security? way more than a R200mil for security,travel,accomodation in the last 4yrs he has been running from the law, this is just the tip of the iceberg - legal fees search deeper...1

clive 1/27/2009 10:14:16 AM
Are they riding the gravy train with Zuma ?

Happy to pay 1/27/2009 10:14:42 AM
...if we can just get this idiot into jail, out of our lives and NOT let him become our next president. I shudder to think this morally and ethically corrupt person may be the next president of South Africa.

Anonymous 1/27/2009 10:15:01 AM
I am always amazed at the lack of foresight and understanding demonstrated by some section of the S.A population.The hand of the executive has been all over the place in this case against Zuma and thats one of the reasons why the state was allowed to carry a free ride in terms of spending.The value of the arms deal was at inception 30billions rands and one person is pursued at a cost of R 100Millions for a 4Millions Rands payment over a period of 10 years? Do the maths?

Johan 1/27/2009 10:21:35 AM
Nobody thinks of the angle of other ANC cronies protecting themselves by protecting ZUMA. I am sure there is a lot of dirt being covered up. Therefore the complete and blunt ignorance of morals by abusing tax payers and state money.

Patrick 1/27/2009 10:22:00 AM
What is it costing us taxpayers in legal fees for all these Corrupt,Drunk,Thieves and Criminals running our Country.

aubrey christie 1/27/2009 10:22:02 AM
we should get the loud mouthed primary school leader of the anc youth to fork out most of this money. that would change his thinking a little if possible. how many classrooms or clinics could this money not have built.it is just plain disgusting.

Patrick 1/27/2009 10:22:35 AM
What is it costing us taxpayers in legal fees for all these Corrupt,Drunk,Thieves and Criminals running our Country.

Conscience 1/27/2009 10:24:52 AM
Why is my tax money used for Zuma's legal fees? I agree that the prosecution (Sate) uses tax money - no problem with that - but why Zuma? If he is criminally charged in his private capacity; he should fork out the money from his own pockets, and so too all other public servants who are charged with crimes. It is misuse of State funds (our tax money)! I hope this matter will receive the necessary attention very soon!

Geez 1/27/2009 10:25:06 AM
This is naother proof to young would be criminals that if you have money and power you can escape law. So go on Zuma and your comrades and tell our kids to stop killing and raping our people you're doing a good job. They will join the ANC even you too you will feel it one day.

Hannetjie 1/27/2009 10:26:14 AM
What a waste of our money - it is time that we as taxpayers refuse to pay if this is what our money is used for. Absolutely ridiculous!!!!! Can government stop this waste !!!!!!!!

craig 1/27/2009 10:26:37 AM
...we can afford to pay millions on this idiot. I'll guess he'll say everyone who moans about this must go take a shower

concerned 1/27/2009 10:28:00 AM
It seems that something is wrong with our judicial system and that a precedent is created.

Boer 1/27/2009 10:28:30 AM
Stupid question: Why is he not paying his own legal fees?

Conscience 1/27/2009 10:30:00 AM
This begs me to ask another question. How much state funds (our tax money) is being used for ANC purposes such as rallies, election campaigning, etc. I will not be surprised if our tax money is used to facilitate ANC events. This is also wrong and I would not be surprised if it is indeed the case! Tax money is for Government purposes only! Not for the ANC, even if they are the ruling party. Who would follow up on this and investigate it?

TomTom 1/27/2009 10:30:28 AM
What good leader will put himself first. R100million=2000 houses for the poor, and "No You Don't Care!!!"

taxpayer 1/27/2009 10:32:15 AM
Its a pitty that most people see as if Zuma is wasting taxpayers money while the driving force behind the NPA is the one that waste our money. If they stay the hell away from the poor guy maybe we wouldn't be complaining about the amount of taxpayers. Why can't NPA be happy with the judgement made by the Jury? If they lose again are they going to appeal again and waste another 100 million of our development money?

Bones 1/27/2009 10:32:46 AM
"Now he has a free pass to the taxpayer's pocket. And the taxpayer pays double: for Zuma and the prosecuting authority." Taxpayer pays more than double, we're also paying for broken submarine contracts without staff to even man them ?

CYN, johannesburg 1/27/2009 10:34:45 AM
It is disgusting to even think that the once so powerful and respected party (ANC) can support this man. There is definitely no smoke without fire so Zuma must just go. He can choose between jail and hell but not stay around to be our president. It is heartbreaking to see his supporters making idiotic noises about their so called president. Not long ago the very same supporters were busy claiming that the ANC did not do anything for this country, now that their president is a thief, they love it.

koketjo 1/27/2009 10:34:52 AM
South Africans, wake up and smell the coffee - I would rather spent R100m as long as this scum can go to jail.If he becomes the president of this country, we are still going tax for his bunch of wives he has in KZN-ANC kiss my vote goodbye - Ridiculous

lynne 1/27/2009 10:36:04 AM
That if Zuma was found guilty he'd have to pay back all the cash, what an incentive to keep on fighting to "not have his day in court"

Tom Tom 1/27/2009 10:41:45 AM
If JZ is innocent let us pay, if JZ's guilty let the ANC pay! If this case is politically motivated why is Shaik in jail?

Unathi 1/27/2009 10:42:38 AM
I wonder how much did Wouter Basson's case cost the taxpayers.

dave 1/27/2009 10:44:31 AM
Who is charging who and for what.NPA is charging Zuma for nothing they musst stop wasting our tax by making thier brothers Trengrove & Kemp wealthy. The NPA is designed and engineered to destroy the reputation of African leaders and must be destroyed like the scorpions because they want to reinstate apartheid in SA againt

Ripped off 1/27/2009 10:44:34 AM
According to mail & guardian 3.38 mil.tax returns were submitted in 2007. Nice to know that out a population of 47 mil., the tax burden lays firmly on 3.38 mil. Of us & now J.Z has added another R100mil to that burden. Personally I don?t think J.Z has added 100 mil of value in his endeavours in this county!

Thapelo C 1/27/2009 10:46:34 AM
Dear Mr. Zuma ,do you really enjoy this free ride that you're on?Your day in court is nearing & I hope the "LAW" take its rightful course for this is Blasphemy to the people of this country from Some who got compared to the LORD JESUS....

Wessel 1/27/2009 10:49:44 AM
Are we not all equal under the law?! Mr.Zuma stop ducking and diving, set an example to your party members and take your medicine like a man in court, if they find you not guilty so be it but come on, time to stand up and be counted!

KAC 1/27/2009 10:52:32 AM
A referendum should be held and the question should be if the taxpaying citizens of this country wants to pay for his legal fees. This way it will be the will of the people. Currently it is the will of 48% of 4000 anc members, who are dictating our futures. Very shameful that zuma cannot see how he is taking food out of poor people?s mouths and it does not matter if he is guilty or not. If he does not care for poor people now how will he care when he is in power.

Ngwato a Kanyane 1/27/2009 10:53:17 AM
how funny,when the high profile cases of apartheid murderes went to court with our tax money some of you were so quite,now tat zuma whom you consider undeserving get the same courtesy you complain?we are going to vote for the anc as it represent and got us out of your dragonian laws.i for one will go to my grave with the anc's flag.you can not use our leaders to advance your political believes,you failed when you had a chance.

Embarassed 1/27/2009 10:54:36 AM
I agree with "embarassed-to-be-a-South-African" This country is going to the dogs...we all know it! Its time to take a stand in what we want in our country (and try not get killed in the process)

DaveT 1/27/2009 10:54:38 AM
The truth is the majority of the tax base (read previously advantaged) vote for parties OTHER than the ANC. The masses vote for leaders like Jacob Zuma because they are uneducated and cannot recognize the lies and corruption that he represents. Voting should be based on a 'one man one vote' with additional votes being allocated pro-rata according to tax paid. This incentives the efficient payment of taxes. That is a true democracy. Not the disgusting corrupt situation that we extol at present.

Jo 1/27/2009 10:55:10 AM
Why should we pay for his lawyers?? What a load of bull!!!! I hope they find him guitly! He must be made an example of that we stand for a better country than what they are giving us! GO DA!! YOU HAVE MY VOTE!!!

mabeck 1/27/2009 10:55:46 AM
Sad to see how absolute power has corrupted absolutely. Mr Zuma hasn't got a clue what he's doing. He's allowed his ego to be 'puffed-up' so much by those around him, that he thinks he's entitled to all these favours from the SA public. It's too late to turn back now. Lets trust that the justice system has the guts to put the case to bed. Time will tell what Zuma's legacy will be.

Gift 1/27/2009 10:56:15 AM
Thanks for the insight into the daylight robbery of the tax payers in this country.I hope the prosecutors work really hard to put Jacob Zuma behind bars, all the money will be worth it.

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