/ 14 March 2019

Zondo grants Van Rooyen leave to cross-examine Fuzile

On Thursday
On Thursday, Zondo also said Van Rooyen had been given the green light to give evidence himself before the commission. (Oupa Nkosi/M&G)

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has granted former finance minister Des van Rooyen leave to cross-examine former treasury director general Lungisa Fuzile at the commission of inquiry into state capture.

READ MORE: Ex-treasury DG was warned of ‘Gupta minister’

Van Rooyen was surprisingly appointed finance minister by former president Jacob Zuma in December 2015. The unexpected decision sent shock waves across markets and the rand into a tailspin.

His appointment was rescinded days later with Pravin Gordhan taking over the portfolio.

Zondo said on Thursday that a date for the cross-examination will be announced at a later stage.

READ MORE: Van Rooyen tried to force ex-treasury DG’s hand in adviser appointments

During his testimony in 2018, Fuzile said that Van Rooyen arrived at the national treasury with a “pre-appointed adviser” in Mohamed Bobat who tried to give treasury staff instructions.

Zondo also said Van Rooyen had been given the green light to give evidence himself before the commission.