The constitutional court has found former president Jacob Zuma guilty of contempt of court and has sentenced Mr. Zuma to 15 months imprisonment. Justice Sisi Khampepe handed down the judgment on Tuesday morning.
The news broke today as the Constitutional Court passed its judgment in the case against Jacob Zuma’s State Capture Inquiry contempt of court case. Zuma had stated earlier this year that he would rather go to prison than appear before the Zondo commission.
Justice Khampepe, presiding over the case, stated that the former President wields much political power and can thus influence others to disregard the courts. It was also noted that Zuma’s attacks on the justice system cannot be seen as tolerable criticism and these statements must be taken into account when sentencing Mr. Zuma.
Khampepe stated that Zuma will serve an unsuspended sentence of 15 months in prison as it would be “futile” to give Jacob Zuma a suspended sentence.
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