South Africa’s main opposition party walked out of parliament on Thursday, saying President Jacob Zuma was refusing to answer questions on how much the state had spent on legal fees fighting corruption allegations against him.
The walkout was led by Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane who asked how much had been spent since May 1, 2009 to defend 783 corruption charges against Zuma that were dropped by the National Prosecuting Authority.
The charges were reinstated by the High Court last year.
Zuma lost an appeal to have the charges dropped and is still trying to prevent the NPA from filing the charges.
NAN reports that Zuma denied receiving any payments from private companies or individuals during his tenure.
Zuma while answering questions from lawmakers, said: “I did not receive any payments from private individuals or companies during my tenure as president of the Republic of South Africa, other than those disclosed or reported to the necessary authorities.”
He is accused of being influenced by the wealthy Gupta family in making government appointments and awarding contracts by state-owned firms.
The Guptas and Zuma deny wrongdoing and say they are victims of a politically motivated witch-hunt.
NAN reports that Zuma, 75, described the “State of Capture” report as “unfair” in parliament.
The report published in 2016 recommended a judicial investigation into allegations of systemic corruption by Zuma, some of his ministers and heads of state-owned companies.
The report focused on allegations that Zuma’s friends, the businessmen and brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta, had influenced the appointment of ministers.
Zuma and the Guptas have denied the accusations. (Reuters/NAN)
