Zuma Walking Out ‘A Serious Matter’ – Zondo

An arrest warrant could be issued for former president Jacob Zuma after his walk-out out of the state capture inquiry defied the commission’s summons for him to testify.

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo had earlier dismissed Zuma’s application for his recusal from the commission.

According to Zondo, Zuma failed to meet the test for a reasonable comprehension of bias.

Zuma filed an additional affidavit this week in which he says Zondo was downplaying their relationship, insisting they are friends.

Zondo denied this claim and said, “the applicant cannot be allowed to raise this issue [personal relationship] so late in the day.”

Zuma’s lawyer Muzi Sikhakhane told Zondo “you have become a judge in a dispute that involves yourself.”

Sikhakhane requested proceedings be suspended so that he could review the judgment.

But after a short recess, Zuma did not return to the court. He had been expected to face a request to take to the witness stand.

Zondo was dismayed at Zuma’s apparent walkout.

“It is a pity that he has elected to leave without asking for permission,” Zondo said. “This is a serious matter.”

The commission will not sit on Friday.