South Africa's highest court is currently hearing the case of President Jacob Zuma over at least a partial payback for roughly $24 million of government funds used to improve security in his private residence. Protests abound the area around the courts where the hearing is held, with citizens accusing the president and the African National Congress of corruption.
President Zuma had his home installed with upgrades including a swimming pool, a chicken run, a cattle enclosure, an ampitheater and a visitor's center, Vanguard Media Nigeria reported Feb. 9. In 2014, the expenses for said improvements equaled to about $24 million, which allegedly were sourced from state funds.
A huge demonstration surrounded the court house, with protesters chanting, "Pay back the money," the Times of Malta reported. The protest was happening while 11 judges hear the case for allegations against the nation's head.
The protest is being led by leftist group Economic Freedom Fighters, BBC News reported. Some of the rallyists also chanted, "Zuma must fall," in protest. Authorities have surrounded the protesters to avoid violence.
Last week, Zuma announced that he will reimburse part of the amount used in the improvements. The statement was in contrast to his previous assertion that he was not involved in using state funds for personal interests.
The president's previous proclaiming of innocence is a defense to avoid a court hearing, opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, claimed. They added that Zuma is trying to avoid wrangling when he gave the State of the Nation address. He is again set to give the mandatory speech this Thursday, Feb. 11.
"The president's capitulation is gratifying but it is not enough," Wim Trengrove, a lawyer for the opposition, was cited by the Times of Malta as saying. A call for a hearing, however, was strongly pushed for to set a precedent, news reports noted.
Aside from President Zuma himself, the National Assembly is also being investigated for the corruption case. The assembly, which has Zuma's party, the African National Congress, holding the majority of seats, is being held liable for not auditing Zuma's use of state funds.
