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Former South African President Zuma Makes First Appearance Before Judicial
Commission

VOA News

   Former South African president Jacob ZumaappearedMonday before a
   commission investigating corruption allegations during his presidency.

   It was the first time Zuma had appeared before the judicial inquiry
   since he abandoned his testimony at the hearing more than a year ago.

   The 78-year-old did not give any evidence on the graft allegations but
   lodged an application requesting the head of the judicial commission
   recuse himself, accusing him of prejudice.

   Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondorejected Zuma'sclaimhewas biased
   against him because they used to be close friends.

   Zondo said he only had a cordial relationship with Zuma,butthey were
   not friends.

   The commission has no authority to prosecute, however testimony made
   during the hearing can be usedby lawenforcement agencies.

   The fraud and corruptionallegedly occurredfrom 2009 to 2018
   beforeZumawas forced to resign by his African National Congress party.

   Zumaisalso awaiting trialfor allegedly taking bribes from French arms
   manufacturer Thales more than 20 years ago.

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