Durban - Retired Justice Zac Yacoob has labelled President Jacob Zuma as a “dishonest and disrespectful” person.
The former Constitutional Court Justice was speaking at a fundraising dinner in Isipingo and accused Zuma of “meddling” with anti-corruption institutions.
Zuma came under fire during an event held with businesspeople under the theme #HandsoffPravinGordhan. It was aimed at raising funds for legal costs should the minister and former South African Revenue Services officials (Sars), Ivan Pillay and Johan van Loggerenberg be charged as alluded to by the National Prosecuting Authority.
“He (Zuma) is not interested in our country. Zuma is only interested in sending those who opposed him to the grave,” which drew a thunderous applause from the crowd.
“I am happy to go to the grave for opposing Jacob Zuma,” said Justice Yacoob.
The latest criticism of Zuma comes on the back of a meeting with business leaders, which was also attended by Gordhan and Head of Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) Robert McBride .
Yacoob said there was nothing amiss or unlawful about the “rogue unit” at the centre of the investigation by the Hawks. The unit reportedly spied on politicians.
Gordhan has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and once dared the Hawks to arrest him. Yacoob said he believed it was a ploy to get rid of Gordhan, who he described as the “best minister” in the country.
“There is nothing in the law which said establishing this unit was a crime,” he said. The former judge said the unit, which was formed during Gordhan’s tenure as Sars commissioner in 2007 was necessary.
He also took a swipe at the deputy director of Public Prosecutions Nomgcobo Jiba and the Specialised Commercial Crimes head Lawrence Mrwebi. Yacoob labelled the two advocates, who were struck off the roll of advocates of the General Council of the Bar of SA this week, as “rogues”.
Meanwhile McBride has declared war on the people who used anti-corruption institutions to settle their political scores.
McBride, who recently had his suspension lifted in the Constitutional Court, said his mistake was to remain silent when he was targeted.
“I did not realise that we were dealing with a determined criminal mind behind the attacks on the institutions,” he said. However, he said they knew the people who were responsible for the attacks on crime-fighting institutions. “I’m not sure what is the motive in the long run,” he added.
He said the modus operandi against crime-busting units started in 2014 when the Hawks were targeted. Other institutions under siege were Sars, Ipid, the SAPS and Denel, McBride said.
“It has become a quiet coup. An attack on the constitution is an attack on the people. We should declare war on the enemies of the people,” he said.
He added that he would continue with his job without fear, favour or prejudice.
Ashok Chandika, one of the organisers of Saturday night’s event, said the function was not about scoring political points, but was about advancing active citizenship.
He said it was worrying when threats were made. “When good people remain quiet, bad people prevail.”
Chandika said if Gordhan and Pillay were not charged they would consult the donors and decide what to do with the money.
Zuma has denied having a hand in Gordhan’s woes.
The ongoing fight between Gordhan and the Hawks has spilled over to senior members of the ANC with some defending him, while others maintained he was not above the law.
Des van Rooyen, who served as finance minister for four days, was among those who have openly said that Gordhan was not above the law. The minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs recently told Gordhan to subject himself to the probe.
Gordhan has enjoyed support on social media with a Facebook page, Pravin Gordhan - We Support You, recently set up. Thousands have liked the page.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the grand-daughter of struggle activist Mahatma Gandhi, Ela; Judge Thumba Pillay; Dilly Naidoo and former United Democratic Front leaders. Presidency spokesman Bongani Ngqulunga shot down claims of a cabinet reshuffle. He said it was only the president who knew if he would do a reshuffle.
“Therefore, I can’t comment on the matter,” he added.
ANC spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa, would not comment, saying: “I can’t comment on events that are not organised by the ANC.”
Sunday Tribune