Former South Africa President, Jacob Zuma has been found guilty of contempt of court by the country’s Constitutional Court.
According to SA news, Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Sisi Khampepe in delivering the verdict, emphasised the extraordinary attacks by Zuma on the legitimacy of the Constitutional Court.
“Never before has the authority and legitimacy of the Constitutional Court been subjected against these kinds of attacks.” She said.
Khampepe also said that Zuma willfully defied the Court’s order to appear before the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture despite being aware of the consequences.
Khampepe added: “Zuma, unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, squandered an opportunity to respect the rule of law in this country,” Khampepe described as “scandalous,” the 21-page letter the former president sent to Chief Justice Moegeng Mogoeng.
Justice Khampepe noted that Zuma is not an ordinary litigant but is the former president, who still wields political power and who can influence others to disregard court.
“If his conduct is met with impunity, he will do significant damage to the rule of law”. She added.
Zuma has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.
