President Jacob Zuma on Friday denied that he was opposed to establishing a judicial commission to investigate allegations of state capture.

However‚ the president said he was opposing the instruction by former public protector Thuli Madonsela to set up a commission since such an order was unlawful.

He said the constitution granted only the president the authority to convene a judicial commission.

“The Presidency has noted recent media reports alleging that President Jacob Zuma is opposed to the implementation of the remedial action of the Public Protector as contained in the State of Capture report relating to the establishment of a judicial Commission of Inquiry. This is incorrect‚” Zuma said in a statement.

Zuma is too implicated to choose the judge in state capture inquiry‚ says SexwalePresident Jacob Zuma should not appoint the judge leading an inquiry into state capture because he himself has some explaining to do‚ ANC veteran Tokyo Sexwale said on Thursday. 

“The President is of the view that some of the remedial actions directed by the Public Protector are irregular‚ unlawful and unconstitutional. Legal advice obtained pointed at the fact that the remedial action on the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry undermines the separation of powers doctrine.

“The Constitution gives the power to appoint a commission of inquiry to the President‚ which she/he must exercise when the President holds a view that a matter of public concern requires such a process.”

Zuma has launched a legal application to challenge the findings in Madonsela’s report‚ which implicated him and Eskom CEO Brian Molefe and highlights concerns around the influence held by the Gupta family over government appointments and tenders.

IN FULL: Zuma speaks out on state capture commissionPresident Jacob Zuma on Friday denied reports that he is opposed to a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of state capture.