Zuma defamation case should not be in court: Advocate
Former President Jacob Zuma's advocate has argued in the Durban High Court that the defamation case involving former Cabinet Minister Derek Hanekom should not be in court, as it boils down to nothing more than political speak.
Hanekom is demanding an apology, retraction and R500,000 in damages from Zuma after a Tweet referred to Hanekom as an enemy agent.
NOW READ: Hanekom and Zuma go head-to-head in Durban High Court
Hanekom believes the statement implies he was an apartheid spy.I’m not surprised by @Julius_S_Malema revelations regarding @Derek_Hanekom. It is part of the plan I mentioned at the Zondo Commission. @Derek_Hanekom is a known enemy agent.
— Jacob G Zuma (@PresJGZuma) July 25, 2019
Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane told the court earlier that Zuma never called Hanekom an apartheid spy.
He has argued that Zuma only meant Hanekom worked with the EFF and other parties to have him ousted as Head of State.
Judge Diya Pillay asked Sikhakhane what Zuma meant when he referred to the Zondo Commission in his Tweet.
Sikhakhane said Zuma mentioned plans to remove him as president.
He said to interpret the Tweet as meaning anything more showed a lack of logic.
Sikhakhane says the matter should not be in court and is abusing court processes.
Arguments have wrapped up in the high court.
He has argued that Zuma only meant Hanekom worked with the EFF and other parties to have him ousted as Head of State.
Judge Diya Pillay asked Sikhakhane what Zuma meant when he referred to the Zondo Commission in his Tweet.
Sikhakhane said Zuma mentioned plans to remove him as president.
He said to interpret the Tweet as meaning anything more showed a lack of logic.
Sikhakhane says the matter should not be in court and is abusing court processes.
Arguments have wrapped up in the high court.
Pillay has reserved judgement.
