Publication: Sapa Issued: Date: 2006-01-31 Reporter: Sapa Reporter: Reporter:

Shaik Ruling Must End Zuma's Campaigning : DA

 

Publication 

Sapa
COURT-SHAIK-REAX 

Issued

Cape Town
Date 2006-01-31

Reporter

 Sapa

 

The Durban High Court's ruling that convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik must pay back R34 million to the State should end former deputy president Jacob Zuma's ANC campaigning, the Democratic Alliance said on Tuesday.

The DA had noted the decision by the court ordering Shaik to pay back R34 million to the State -- deemed to be the proceeds of crime and his "generally corrupt relationship" with Zuma, DA spokeswoman Sheila Camerer said.

At the same time the verdict was delivered Zuma was on the campaign trail, electioneering for the African National Congress.

This was despite the fact that there were two judgments of the High Court concerning Zuma's involvement in corrupt activities and two ongoing and serious investigations against him, she said.

"This Friday, Jacob Zuma will be present at Parliament, as a guest of honour for the president's state of the nation address.

"This is yet another indication that the ANC government refuses to act firmly against corruption and seems determined to keep the former deputy president at the forefront of its badly tainted public image," Camerer said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Shaik's legal team said he would appeal the ruling.

Judge Hilary Squires also ordered Shaik to pay the cost of the application by the National Director of Public Prosecutions as well as the cost of two counsel.

The State believes about R34 million was involved in Shaik's "generally corrupt relationship" with Zuma.

The National Prosecuting Authority's application sought a warrant giving the State control over Shaik's assets in the arms manufacturing company that profited from South Africa's multi-billion rand arms deal.

In the application filed with the court, the State requested that an alleged R250 000 bribe paid to Zuma by French arms manufacturer Thales also be recovered from Shaik.

The Durban businessman was found guilty in 2005 on two charges of corruption and one of fraud, and sentenced to an effective 15 years' imprisonment. His appeal will be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal later this year.

With acknowledgement to Sapa.