Ex-President Jacob Zuma to Appear in Court Next Week Tuesday for Plea Hearing

Former South African President, Jacob Zuma will appear in person in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court on August 10 for his plea hearing.

Judge Pete Koen had issued a directive that the matter would proceed in an open court.

The case was expected to be heard virtually, but Zuma’s legal team argued that a virtual hearing would violate his right to a fair trial.

Reacting to the decision, the Spokesperson for Jacob Zuma Foundation, Mzwanele Manyi said the outcome is a win for the constitution.

According to him, the Constitution provides for every person to attend their trial in person and that it was suprising that they had to fight for it.

Manyi added that Zuma would be able to consult with his legal team more freely in an open court and ensure that the proceedings run smoothly.

Health concerns has previously delayed Zuma’s court appearances, but Manyi was confident that Zuma would attend the appearance on Tuesday.

Zuma, 79, was handed a 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court on June 29 after he failed to attend a corruption inquiry.

The sentencing sparked an unprecedented legal drama in South Africa, which has never seen a former president in jail.

Zuma had initially refused to hand himself in, but later decided to comply.