MEDIA STATEMENT
BY THE
INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
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Cape Town: June 2, 2005 PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI, MP Reacting to the conviction of Schabir Shaik in the Durban High Court on two counts of corruption and one of fraud relating to alleged irregular financial dealings with Deputy President Jacob Zuma, IFP President, Mangosuthu Buthelezi said "the rule-of-law has followed its course" and "the criminal justice system has done its job competently and comprehensively". Insofar as the verdict impacts upon the Deputy-President Mr Jacob Zuma, Buthelezi said "I regret that the Deputy-President did not have an opportunity to defend himself in court when the Public Protector, Mr Bulelani Ngcuka, said that there was a prima facie case of corruption against him. "It is a basic rule of jurisprudence that every man and woman has the right to have their day in court". Buthelezi added "this verdict will undoubtedly hang like a dark cloud over the Deputy-President and sadly will damage South Africa's standing in the international community. "One is mindful that the shadow of corruption looms over public life in South Africa and that this verdict will serve to reinforce that perception. This will not help the Deputy-President perform the functions of his office, such as being Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Commission". |