Lungani Zungu
Jacob Zuma scored a victory on Wednesday after the Pietermaritzburg High Court agreed to hearing his plea in person next Tuesday.
Judge Pete Koen has announced that Zuma’s hearing will be held in an open court on Tuesday.
The former president was against the matter being held virtually, saying it would have been unfair.
He has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering from the Arms Deal case.
Judge Koen said all Covid-19 safety protocols would be strictly followed.
Zuma’s brother Khanya said he was “over the moon” after the court’s decision.
“I’m happy. The entire nation is happy. I can’t wait to see my brother next week,” he said.
Zuma’s staunch supporter, Nkosentsha Shezi told Scrolla.Africa he will be in court to support Zuma. He refused to comment about mobilising other Zuma supporters.
Mzwanele Manyi, the Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson said the Constitution has won.
“It’s bizarre that we’ve even had to fight for this,” he said
Manyi said Zuma would be able to consult with his legal team more freely in an open court as opposed to a virtual hearing.
He confirmed that Zuma will be in court.
His supporters had blatantly ignored the Covid-19 protocols at his previous court appearance.
Manyi said he did not know whether Zuma’s supporters would be in court.
His lawyer Advocate Dali Mpofu could not be reached for comment.
Zuma is serving a 15-month jail sentence at the Estcourt prison after he defied a court order telling him to appear at the state capture commission of inquiry.
