I’m not afraid of prison: Zuma
Updated | By Neo Motloung
Former president Jacob Zuma received a rapturous welcome from a crowd of supporters on his arrival back at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday.
Zuma arrived from Cuba where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
The former statesman arrived at the airport wearing sunglasses, explaining to his followers that the glasses are tinted to protect his eyes from too much glare.
Zuma also said that he sent the doctor’s note to the Pietermaritzburg High Court last month because of a decision he took to prioritise his health.
The 77-year-old was slapped with an arrest warrant after his lawyers claimed he was too ill to travel back to South Africa for a pre-trial hearing on corruption charges.
The court issued the warrant after it questioned the authenticity of his sick note, but said it would not be executed until the case is set to resume on May 6.
“It is important that my health is treated by doctors, so that those waiting for me in the courts find me in good health. I do not see a problem in that,” said Zuma.
Zuma gave an assurance that he would be appearing in court on May 6.
He also reiterated that he is not afraid of prison.
“When I’m needed at court, I go. Even during the times of white government, I went to court and they sentenced me for 10 years and I came out looking beautiful.
“Even if the our current government sentence me, I will serve my time and come out when I’m released. I’m not afraid of prison.”
Zuma denied that his illness is a fabrication in order to delay his trial even further.
“That is all I wanted to tell you, I am with you and you are with me. I will die where you die,” said the former president.
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