Pietermaritzburg High Court Decision 31- 07 - 06

Pietermaritzburg High Court Decision

The Congress of South African Trade Unions regrets the decision of the Pietermaritzburg High Court to accept the National Prosecuting Authority’s application to postpone the trial of ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

This is not acceptable, given that the charges were first laid in June 2005, at which time the NPA said that they had a strong case. We cannot accept the argument that the NPA have to await the decision on its appeal against the Durban court ruling that they must return, and cannot use in the trial, documents unlawfully seized from Jacob Zuma’s house in August 2005, two months after saying they had enough evidence to prosecute him. The trial should therefore have proceeded today on the basis of the charges laid in June 2005.

The NPA’s request reinforces the view of COSATU’s Central Committee in August 2005 that “we are dealing with a concerted politically inspired campaign aimed at destroying the political career of the Deputy President”. We reiterate the resolution passed by the CC:

1. To call on the President of South Africa to review the decision to relieve Comrade Zuma of his responsibilities as the Deputy President of South Africa.
2. To call for the withdrawal of all the charges against Comrade Zuma. It is clear that he would not get a fair trial.
3. If the case goes ahead despite our calls, COSATU demands a fair hearing and a full bench to hear the case. We will ensure that whenever Comrade Zuma appears in court, our people will demonstrate en masse.
4. To call on COSATU affiliates, members and the public to contribute to the “Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust Fund” to support Comrade Jacob Zuma by assisting with his legal costs and well-being.
5. To engage the Alliance in the context of the NGC decision on this matter, in order to find a political solution and avoid divisions that could result from this saga.

Patrick Craven (National Spokesperson)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Streets
Braamfontein, 2017

P.O.Box 1019
Johannesburg, 2000
SOUTH AFRICA

Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24
Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940/ 086 603 9667
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E-Mail: patrick@cosatu.org.za