Constitutional Court to hand down ruling in Zuma contempt case
The Constitutional Court will hand down its much-anticipated ruling in the contempt of court matter between former president Jacob Zuma and the commission of inquiry into state capture.
The apex court will hand down judgment on Tuesday morning.
The matter was argued between the court in March.
It relates to two summonses that the inquiry issued to Zuma after the former head of state failed to testify.
Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac) executive secretary Lawson Naidoo has welcomed the announcement.
READ: SCA orders Zuma to pay back the legal bills
He believes tomorrow's judgement is a very important step towards accountability.
“This is a very important issue of public accountability. This is a contempt of court matter because the former president failed to respond to a subpoena that was issued to him by the commission of inquiry to attend the commission and to answer questions that they have for him. It’s really about accountability and people who ignore the law or break the law must be held accountable.”
Lawson adds that he believes the court is like to impose a jail sentence on Zuma.
The commission has asked the apex court to impose a two-year jail sentence.
“I think given Mr Zuma’s non-compliance of the courts, failing to appear on the matter a jail sentence is probably likely. A warrant of arrest may need to be issued in due course in order to give effect to that judgment.”
READ: Spat between Zuma and judiciary heats up, ConCourt sets date for contempt hearing
Proceedings are expected to begin tomorrow at 10:00.
