Zuma vs Zondo: Constitutional Court to rule on JZ’s rescission bid

Former president Jacob Zuma may have been able to avoid jail, having been granted medical parole, however it seems it’s far from over. The Constitutional Court is expected to deliver judgement on an application to have his sentence set aside on Friday, 17 September 2021.

The proceedings will get underway at 10:00.

Here’s a recap: The apex court slapped Zuma with the sentence after finding him guilty of contempt – a decision that was in favour of the State Capture Commission. The commission, headed by Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Raymond Zondo, had approached the Constitutional Court   after Zuma refused to take the stand and answer to legions of corruption allegations – this was in violation of a previous order granted by the same court.

The highest court in the land subsequently found him guilty of contempt and sentenced him to 15 months behind bars at the Estcourt Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

What’s next for Jacob Zuma?

With Jacob Zuma now a free man, there are questions as to what bearing his medical parole grant will have on the Constitutional Court’s decision.

Much to the dismay of Zuma critics, Correctional Services’ Commissioner Arthur Fraser decided to release the former president – going against a recommendation by the Medical Advisory Parole Board.

“I took the decision to place him on medical parole, and I’ve given a host of reasons. The reasons are available. It’s in documentation, and it will be presented to whoever needs to see that. I’m sure parliament will be asking,” he said in an interview with SABC News.

Regardless of the highest court in the land’s decision, Zuma’s legal troubles are far from over as his arms deal trial is still ongoing. He faces fraud and corruption charges in connection with a multibillion rand contract the state entered into with French weapons manufacturer Thales.