Zuma corruption case: State disputes claim of reputational harm
Prosecutors have challenged the claims of former president, Jacob Zuma that he's suffered severe and irreparable damage to his reputation, due to the NPA's poor handling of his case.
The former president says the NPA's political motives caused delays to his fraud and corruption case.
Zuma says it also robbed him of a fair trial, adding he's already been found guilty in the court of public opinion.
Arguing in the Pietermaritzburg High Court yesterday - Advocate Wim Trengrove disputed this.
He says being a public figure, the criticism was bound to come Zuma's way.
"Frankly, let us also not exaggerate the reputational harm. The fact of the matter is Mr. Zuma's public career flourished. He continued to serve as deputy president until after the conviction of Mr. Shaik. In December 2007, while still living under this cloud - he ousted then president Mbeki as president of the ANC and he was elected president of South Africa in May 2009. So much for reputational harm."
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Trengrove argued for the matter to go to trial.
"There is a high risk if Mr. Zuma escapes prosecution that he will be seen to have received special treatment - because he is an important and powerful man. He is accused of corruption, racketeering, money laundering and fraud. It is important for the maintenance of the rule of law that all people be seen to be treated equally," he said.
