NPA confident that it has a strong case against Duduzane Zuma

The state believes that it has a strong case against the son of former President Jacob Zuma, Duduzane.

The 34-year-old is charged with two counts of culpable homicide in connection with the death of two people who were passengers in a taxi that was involved in a crash with Duduzane’s vehicle in 2014.

Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Phindi Mjonondwane said the state is confident that it will secure a conviction in the case against Zuma junior.

She said the NPA has been working in the background for some time, preparing its case. “We have new facts that we believe will make our case stronger, but I can’t reveal the facts at this stage.”

She said the facts will be revealed during the trial.

Mjonondwana also said the state has assigned the case to one of their more senior and experienced prosecutors, Yusuf Baba, who they believe will do a great job.

Zuma’s appearance in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 12 July was very brief. Mjonondwana said proceedings for the day were only for the NPA to formally place on record the charges against Zuma, two counts of culpable homicide and an alternative count of negligent driving.

Reports suggest that Zuma crashed his Porsche into the taxi, one passenger died at the scene and the other died later in hospital.

Former president, Jacob Zuma is also reported to have been in court to support his son, but he arrived after proceedings were concluded.

After his appearance, Duduzane seemed calm but refused to give any comment to the media. As he walked out, he was flanked by Black First Land First (BLF) members who said they were here to show their support of Duduzane as they believe the charges against him are politically motivated.

The case has been postponed to 23 August to disclose the contents of the docket.