The South African Constitutional Court on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 sentenced former President Jacob Zuma to fifteen months in prison for contempt of justice after his refusal to appear before an anti-corruption commission, ordering him to go to “The five days”.
Zuma, 79, who was the president for nearly nine years until 2018, was not present to hear the South African Constitutional Court deliver its ruling and sentence. The judge ordered the former president to hand himself in within five days.
After ignoring a Court order to testify before the Zondo Commission of inquiry, where he has been implicated in corrupt actions by a number of witnesses, Zuma was charged with contempt.
The decision establishes a precedent because the Constitutional Court rarely issues harsh punishments or orders imprisonment.
“This kind of reluctance and challenge is illegal and will be punished” said Judge Sisi Khampepe.
“I have no choice but to imprison Mr. Zuma, in the hope that this sends an unequivocal message (…) the rule of law and the administration of justice prevail. “ Seized by an anti-corruption commission, the highest court rendered this verdict “By a majority of its members”, said the magistrate.
