If Zuma opts for Legal Aid, ‘taxpayers are still paying’

Social media users were quick to fact-check what Thursday’s ruling in the High Court in Pretoria would mean after Jacob Zuma was instructed to foot the bill for his own legal fees from now on, as well as repay what’s already been spent.

The high court ruled that Zuma be held personally liable for some of the millions spent on his legal costs fighting corruption charges. It ruled the state attorney would need to determine Zuma’s costs after the state estimated the taxpayer-funded amount to be around R16 million.

A 2006 agreement between Zuma and former president Thabo Mbeki was set aside by the court. The agreement was invalid and the money already spent should be recovered, the court ruled.

The ruling means Zuma’s defence will not be paid for by the taxpayer. DA leader Mmusi Maimane said the deal by the ANC and Zuma to pay for his fees was irrational and that it was time for Zuma to pay from his own pocket.

Maimane said a precedent had been set for state officials who abused state resources to endlessly litigate through the court to frustrate other processes.

“Where people feel like the taxpayer’s money must be used for their own personal protection, that simply can’t be allowed.”

The ruling, which intends to have Zuma foot the bill without taxpayer assistance, as said by the DA, appears to have a hole in it, though, that social media users have noted.

Zuma does have the option of Legal Aid, which Twitter users were quick to point out would also be funded by taxpayers.

Who is legal aid? Isn't legal aid funded by state? Asking on the ruling of Jacob Zuma case!!!

— Indawo-The-Place® (@matebesi3) December 13, 2018

Can you clarify for us who fund legal Aid since Court said State must no longer pay for Jacob Zuma. State = Taxpayers money and Legal Aid = Taxpayers money. We are a Banana Republic with captured Judiciary https://t.co/T2mbZiT4W0

— Jolinkomo (@ThamiMilis) December 13, 2018

Zuma: "I don't mind I still have another option, I'm unemployed so will use legal aid" #Zuma#ZumaFees pic.twitter.com/I2oPs8Va0i

— Lonwabo Mswati (@ltunyiswa) December 13, 2018

The Court says Zuma must go to Legal Aid Board if he doesn’t have money. 😂

He has an annual pension of about R3m. He can fund his own legal costs going forward.

— Sentletse 🇷🇺🇿🇦 (@Sentletse) December 13, 2018

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.