Johannesburg – The state has been left with a big security headache after it was ruled that former South African president, Jacob Zuma, will be released from prison to attend a court hearing.
The Jacob Zuma foundation announced the news this morning.
Judge Koen previously ruled that proceedings would be held virtually. Zuma pushed back at the ruling saying he wanted to attend the hearings physically.
Zuma and French arms company Thales are in court as they face corruption charges.
In a tweet, the foundation said, “Victory to the Constitution. Thank you to the Legal Team.
10 August in Pietermaritzburg will be OPEN Court as per the submission of our capable legal team. Now Mr Downer, will be processed properly, Adv Mpofu SC can’t wait.”
“The directive previously issued on 15 July 2021 (to hear the matter virtually) is hereby revoked. This directive is subject to amendment at any stage should circumstances arise which make it desirable to do so,” the court said.
Zuma has maintained that Downer was biased and was part of a political conspiracy against him.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation said the decision was a victory for the constitution,
“Now Mr Downer will be processed properly. Advocate Mpofu SC can’t wait,” a statement read.
BREAKING NEWS
Victory to the Constitution.
Thank you to the Legal Team.
10 August in Pietermaritzburg will be OPEN Court as per the submission of our capable legal team.
Now Mr Downer, will be processed properly, Adv Mpofu SC can't wait.#WenzenuZuma pic.twitter.com/3dHCUxs0gB— JGZuma Foundation (Official) (@JGZ_Foundation) August 4, 2021
The state was concerned that moving Zuma from his Escourt prison facility where he is currently serving his prison sentence after he was found guilty for being in contempt of court for refusing to appear at the Zondo Commission would cause a security concern for them.
27th Day in Prison. https://t.co/yUpOm5peub
— JGZuma Foundation (Official) (@JGZ_Foundation) August 2, 2021
The government had to deploy soldiers in addition to Correctional Services officials to accompany Zuma to the funeral of his brother Michael a fortnight ago.
The sensitive decision was announced on the morning of the funeral.
There were fears that Zuma’s supporters would block his return to prison.
It remains to be seen how the state will handle Zuma’s appearance at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, where he usually addresses supporters outside court.
The case will proceed at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday next week, 10 August 2021.
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