Former president Jacob Zuma. – Image: Twitter / @Mahlubi_Stephen
Former president Jacob Zuma. – Image: Twitter / @Mahlubi_Stephen
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has confirmed that the former president WILL NOT attend the resumption of his corruption trial on Thursday, citing his ‘continued hospitalisation’ as his reason for missing the court session. Even though it is being held on a virtual platform, a spokesperson confirmed he is still too sick to join the proceedings.
Jacob Zuma ‘will not attend court’ on Thursday
The arms deal trial is back in session, after yet another clutch of delays. Arguments about the recusal of Advocate Billy Downer will be heard, before the case can progress. Zuma claims the prosecution lawyer is ‘biased against him’.
“[An update on] Former President Jacob Zuma – due to his ill health and continuing hospitalisation, the NPA and his legal team have agreed that he will not attend the postponement proceedings which will be heard on the virtual platform at 10:00 tomorrow, Thursday 9 September 2021. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.”
JGZ Foundation
Why is Jacob Zuma in hospital?
While Msholozi’s legal team does battle in Pietermaritzburg, the 79-year-old will remain in a hospital bed. Earlier this week, uBaba was granted medical parole – despite details of his actual ailments remaining secret.
The Department of Correctional Services, however, say that they were compelled to release Jacob Zuma on health grounds, after receiving submissions which detailed his mystery illnesses. The ex-head of state is exercising the right to fiercely guard his privacy, as he recovers from a number of ‘long-term conditions’.
Where does he go from here?
Jacob Zuma has served two months of a 15-month sentence handed down to him at the end of June. He spent just a little over four weeks inside Estcourt Prison, before he was transferred to a medical facility. It’s understood he’ll head home to Nkandla, once hospital officials feel that he’s well enough to be discharged.
H.E Prez Zuma due to his ill health and continuing hospitalisation, the NPA and his legal team have agreed that he will not attend the postponement proceedings which will be heard on the virtual platform at 10h00 tomorrow 9 Sept 2021.
— JGZuma Foundation (Official) (@JGZ_Foundation) September 8, 2021
Please continue to keep him in your prayers pic.twitter.com/wSb0prkyBR
