EFF Seeks Court Action
By Thabo Mosia
EFF Takes Legal Action Against Jacob Zuma Over R1.3 Million Legal Costs
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is heading to court to seek remedial action against former President Jacob Zuma, accusing him of avoiding a court order to settle legal costs amounting to over R1.3 million. The Sheriff of the Court has made several unsuccessful attempts to serve Zuma with a writ of execution to attach his movable assets at Nkandla, prompting the EFF to escalate the matter through legal proceedings.
Background: EFF’s Legal Victories Against Zuma
The debt stems from two separate cases. The first involves Zuma’s unsuccessful application to review remedial action from the Public Protector’s Nkandla report. The second relates to his failed attempt to avoid personal liability for legal costs after withdrawing an urgent interdict against former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, aimed at stopping the release of the State Capture report.
In both cases, courts ruled that Zuma must personally bear the legal costs. The total amount owed, including interest and legal fees, is R1,338,159.65. Despite multiple attempts by the Sheriff of the Court, Zuma has not complied with the court orders.
EFF Leader Julius Malema’s Statements
EFF leader Julius Malema addressed the issue during a public engagement in November 2024, expressing frustration over Zuma’s failure to settle his debts:
“Fighters, all the cases we won against Jacob Zuma, he never paid the legal fees. We’ve got an order that he must pay us our money. Now he has not complied with that order. We instructed our lawyer to attach his assets so that the man pays back our money,” Malema stated.
Malema accused Zuma of undermining the judiciary and warned that the EFF would ensure the court orders were enforced.
Attempts to Serve Zuma
The Sheriff of the Court has tried to execute the writs of execution on at least three occasions, but each attempt was thwarted by various obstacles. According to legal documents, police officers and individuals in military uniform identifying themselves as members of uMkhonto weSizwe were stationed at Nkandla during these visits, claiming Zuma was unavailable.
• On 12 December 2024, the Sheriff was informed that Zuma was in Durban for a function and the premises were locked.
• On 17 December 2024, another attempt failed as the premises remained inaccessible.
• On 18 December 2024, the Sheriff returned but was again unable to execute the writ due to the property being locked and guarded.
EFF Member of Parliament Sinawo Thambo criticised Zuma for “blatantly avoiding” the execution of court orders, stating:
“It’s unfortunate that Mr Jacob Zuma is avoiding the Sheriff of the Court. He has been seen hosting events in Nkandla, yet claims not to be home when attempts are made to serve him. This undermines the rule of law.”
EFF’s Next Steps
In light of the failed attempts, the EFF has announced plans to launch court proceedings in early January 2025 to compel the enforcement of the writs. According to the party’s legal representatives, the matter will be escalated to ensure that Zuma’s assets are attached and auctioned to recover the owed amount.
Response from Zuma’s Camp
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has declined to comment on the matter, with spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi dismissing media inquiries, stating:
“Is media part and parcel of the enforcement process? All legal processes have legal procedures. Talking to me is definitely not part of the process.”
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe also denied allegations that officers stationed at Nkandla obstructed the Sheriff. Mathe stated that the officers merely communicated Zuma’s unavailability during the Sheriff’s visits.
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