MK Vets vow to form ‘human shield' around Nkandla to protect Zuma
A civil society group says the Constitutional Court has drawn a line in the sand against political attacks on the judiciary.
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac) has been reacting to the 15-month jail sentence handed down to former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court.
The former head of state was found guilty for defying a previous order instructing him to appear before the commission of inquiry into state capture.
Zuma has to hand himself over to the police within five days.
READ: Zondo commission welcomes ‘profoundly important’ ConCourt ruling on Zuma
Casac’s Lawson Naidoo says the ruling reaffirms the supremacy of the constitution and respect for the rule of law.
"We can be very proud of the judiciary in South Africa that we have a strong, independent and robust judiciary that will apply the law and constitution as is required of them and not be swayed by political influence."
READ: Jacob Zuma Foundation 'confused' by ConCourt ruling, will seek legal advice
Meanwhile Zuma's longtime friend, the Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans Association’s (MKMVA) Carl Niehaus, says they're outraged by what they see as an unjust ruling.
"We will do everything within our means to prevent president Zuma from being arrested and imprisoned. We will use our constitutional and legal rights to do so, including also our right to freedom of speech and to express our opposition to this unjustifiable action by the Constitutional Court."
Zuma's son Edward has also vowed to protect his father from arrest.
Niehaus says the military vets will do the same.
"We there are members of Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans Association currently camping out on the perimeters of Nkandla, more members of MKMVA are on their way.
"They will form a human shield in protection of president Zuma. They will act in a legal manner. We are not prepared to see President Zuma being arrested and imprisoned."
