Zuma appeals court ruling on state capture

CAPE TOWN, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma on Friday applied to appeal a court ruling ordering the establishment of a commission of inquiry into state capture.

In court papers filed to the North Gauteng High Court, Zuma said the decision to call for a commission of inquiry into state capture was based on "untested suspicions".

On December 13, the full bench of the North Gauteng High Court gave Zuma 30 days to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry into state capture, to be headed by a judge appointed by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. The court dismissed Zuma's application for review of the remedial action recommended by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her report on state capture.

In his appeal, Zuma said the court erred in law when it ruled that he was ill-advised and reckless when he launched an application to set aside Madonsela's remedial actions.

The decision for an inquiry was based on "prima facie evidence," Zuma said.

"Whereas in her report the Public Protector has made no factual findings, the court erred in law in finding that she did and impermissibly elevating untested suspicions as fact," Zuma said.

Zuma has been accused of collaborating with the Indian Gupta family in looting the state coffers.

The Guptas allegedly exert undue influence on Zuma in the appointment of cabinet ministers and in the awarding of lucrative contracts with state-owned enterprises to the Guptas in what is called "state capture." Both Zuma and the Guptas have denied the accusations.

Zuma's appeal came despite a pledge by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to carry out a thorough investigation into allegations of state capture.

At its 54th elective conference that ended on Wednesday, the ANC said a commission of inquiry into state capture must be instituted urgently. Enditem