Civil rights group AfriForum is pushing for the government to seize former President Jacob Zuma’s assets, arguing he has failed to pay legal costs owed from years of court battles. The organization says Zuma has avoided accountability while taxpayers have footed the bill for his legal fights.
At a media briefing on Monday, AfriForum’s legal head, Willie Spies, accused Zuma of delaying justice through legal tactics. He urged authorities to act quickly, warning that ignoring court orders sets a dangerous precedent. “The public should not keep paying for his legal bills,” Spies said. “It’s time he faces the consequences.”
This demand follows multiple court rulings ordering Zuma to cover his legal costs. One key ruling came from the Constitutional Court, which found he acted in bad faith by refusing to testify at the State Capture Commission. Despite these orders, Zuma has not paid, leading AfriForum to threaten legal action if the government does not move to seize his assets.
AfriForum argues that ordinary citizens would have faced asset seizure by now if they ignored court orders. Spies stressed that equal enforcement of the law is crucial to maintaining public trust. However, legal experts note complications—Zuma’s assets may be protected through trusts and third-party ownership, making recovery difficult.
Political analysts view this as part of a larger push to hold powerful figures accountable. Professor Sipho Seepe warned that if the state does not act, it risks sending a message that some are above the law. AfriForum says it will continue its campaign until Zuma pays what he owes, calling it a matter of justice and fairness.
The Department of Justice has not yet responded to AfriForum’s demands. Meanwhile, public pressure is growing over whether Zuma will finally be forced to settle his legal debts.