Warrant of arrest issued for Jacob Zuma
Former president Jacob Zuma has been warned to ensure he appears in court when his corruption case continues in the Pietermaritzburg High Court in May.
Judge Dhaya Pillay issued a warrant of arrest for Zuma on Tuesday, but it has been stayed and will only be effective if Zuma fails to appear in court on May 6.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) asked the court to issue the warrant after the former president did not arrive for his corruption case due to the fact that he is out of the country receiving medical treatment.
READ: NPA asks for warrant of arrest for Zuma
Zuma and French arms company Thales faces charges related to the multibillion-rand arms deal.
In January, Zuma’s attorney’s handed a medical note to the court to explain the former president’s illness and his subsequent absence in court on February 4.
Zuma’s legal representative Daniel Mantsha told the court on Tuesday that the certificate was issued by a doctor at a military hospital.
“Your ladyship is aware that the president of the republic and former president of the republic medical conditions is a matter of state security. These are matters handled by the military.
“The people in charge of the health of presidents and former presidents is from the military doctor.”
He added that it is a well-known fact that Zuma has been receiving treatment since 2019.
“We know he is receiving a medical treatment and we also know that it did not start this February or January, we know that it has started last year.”
The case was postponed to May 6.