A fresh damaging report into government corruption in South Africa has recommended further investigations and the possible prosecution of Ex-President of the country – Jacob Zuma for collecting bribes.
The report also recommended further probe are current and former cabinet ministers and senior leaders of the ruling African National Congress party.
It’s the third report to come from three years of investigations, testimonies and cross-examination of witnesses and whistleblowers.
The inquiry has further exposed extensive graft under Zuma at the top levels of government in Africa’s most developed economy.
The latest report was published Tuesday and has been handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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In the report, Zuma, current ANC chairperson and energy minister Gwede Mantashe and former cabinet minister Nomvula Mokonyane are among those who allegedly received “gratifications” from the controversial security company Bosasa so it could maintain its grasp on state contracts.
Some of the bribes came in the form of monthly payments to the Jacob Zuma Foundation and the sponsorship of Zuma’s lavish birthday parties.
Zuma was president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018 before he was forced to step down by his ANC party amid allegations of corruption.
This led to the establishment of the commission to investigate.
He is currently standing trial on other corruption charges that are unrelated to the commission.
Previous reports from the commission of inquiry have been similarly damning and have accused Zuma and other senior government officials of taking bribes to award lucrative state contracts to other corrupt businessmen.
‘The evidence reveals that there was widespread corruption in the awarding of contracts and tenders to Bosasa,’ the latest report said.
‘There is sufficient evidence to establish that Mr. Zuma accepted gratification from another person. i.e Bosasa or its directors or employees, which held and sought to obtain contracts with government.’
Zuma has denied the allegations and has criticized the commission, saying he had not been given the chance to state his side of the story.
His foundation said he had been denied “the most basic rights to be heard.’
Africa Today News, New York recalls that Zuma, 79, was subpoenaed to testify at the commission’s hearings but walked out midway through his testimony and refused to appear again, resulting in him being sentenced to 15 months in jail last year for contempt of court.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK