Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said on Wednesday that he is satisfied the Commission will be able to make clear findings from testimony made against former President Jacob Zuma given by other witnesses.

Zondo said he would have preferred to have Zuma answer questions himself and while Zuma was given a chance to respond to the testimony given against him, he chose to remain silent.

The Constitutional Court sentenced Zuma to 15 months imprisonment for being in contempt of court for refusing to appear before the Commission.

The Commission welcomed the judgment saying it was of great importance in the country’s constitutional democracy.

“We welcome the judgment. We think that the judgment is of great importance in our constitutional democracy. It vindicates the rule of law in our country, it vindicates the supremacy of our Constitution, it affirms the principle that we are all equal before the law. It underlines the importance of accountability in our constitutional democracy. We think it's a very important judgment for the country,” Zondo said.

He added that the Commission will complete its work without Zuma, stating that the Constitutional Court judgment marked the end of the Commission's part and the judiciary's part in the saga.

Zondo pointed out that while he had been subjected to attacks by Zuma he had sought to continue his work.

“It has been difficult for me and my family, but I accepted this job. It has been difficult for everyone at the Commission because of these attacks. Do I regret taking this job? Not at all. If I was asked to do it again, I would do it again. I had no hesitation in agreeing to do it,” he said.

The State has taken steps to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place for his personal safety. 

WORK OF THE COMMISSION

Zondo explained that there will not be a provisional report of the Commission, only a final report, which he hopes will be completed by the end of August.

He warned that no one should doubt the Commission’s commitment to finishing its work as soon as possible.

“But we have to do it in a responsible fashion, to avoid potential legal challenges. We must be able to defend our decisions,” he said.

The Commission has completed all “important” oral evidence and there are about five or six witnesses remaining. Zondo declined to reveal who they are.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will return to give evidence as leader of the African National Congress and as State President.

Zondo said Ramaphosa and Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola have given the Commission its full support.

“I have no doubt that they too would like to see the Commission complete its work properly,” he ended.