Former South African President, Jacob Zuma, has on Tuesday 29th June, 2021, been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for disobeying a court order to testify at a graft enquiry. ayokinews.com reports
Zuma had earlier been indicted in a fraud crime on the basis of abetting the plundering of state funds to the tune of 500 billion rand ($35 billion) during his tenure as President.
Prior to the allegation, a Constitutional Court in January, ruled that the former President, Jacob Zuma, respond to questions from the judicial commission headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, but Zuma accused the court and Zondo of being bias. In November last year, Zuma was also reported to have walked out during a scheduled panel hearing while he boycotted another panel hearing in February.
“The Constitutional Court can do nothing but conclude that Mr. Zuma is guilty of the crime of contempt of court,” acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe ruled.
Reacting to the judgement meted out to the former South African President, Jacob Zuma, acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe stated; “This sends an unequivocal message in this our constitutional dispensation, the rule of law and the administration of justice prevails”.
This is coming amid the current South President, Cyril Ramaphosa’s step up fight against corruption by prioritising the war on graft.
