Arrest Warrant For Jacob Zuma After Judge Disputes Medical Certificate ‘Explaining’ Former President’s Court Absence

Riyaz Patel

The High Court in Pietermaritzburg has issued an arrest warrant for Jacob Zuma which will become effective should the former president fail to appear at his next hearing set down for 6 May.

This means Zuma will be arrested should he not appear on the that date.

Zuma was expected to be in court Tuesday where his corruption trial relating to the multi billion rand arms deal resumed. However, the State told the court they were informed last that Zuma is unwell and would not be in court.

Zuma’s defence added the former president is currently being treated abroad, reportedly receiving medical attention in Cuba.

Advocate Daniel Mantsha, appearing for Zuma, submitted a medical certificate to back their claims, but Judge Dhaya Pillay questioned certain aspects, particularly an issue around a supposedly ‘altered’ date on the note.

Judge Pillay said there was also no medical number attached