Inquiry to be held into validity of Zuma's sick note

Inquiry to be held into validity of Zuma's sick note

Former president Jacob Zuma's corruption case has been postponed to June to allow for an inquiry into his failure to appear in court. 

JacobZuma2_AFP
AFP

He is facing 16 counts of fraud and money laundering, alongside French arms company, Thales


It's in connection with the controversial multi-billion rand arms deal. 


In a statement - the National Prosecuting Authority says the postponement was due to a number of reasons - including the pandemic, to allow for Thales’ application to the Constitutional Court, as well as the ‘inquiry’ into Zuma’s failure to appear in court in February. 


Zuma cited ill-health as the reason for his no-show, but the court was unconvinced and issued a stayed warrant of arrest for the former president. 


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Zuma's lawyers claimed he was ill and receiving treatment abroad.


The inquiry will look into the validity of the sick note provided by Zuma’s legal team and whether it constituted a sound reason for his non-appearance. 


He could face a fine of up to R300 or three months behind bars if the inquiry finds against him.


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