- Minutes before midnight yesterday, on 7th June, South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma, 79, handed himself over to the Correctional Services in order to avoid arrest.
- A spokesperson for the police ministry, and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed that Zuma was in custody, in compliance with the order of the Constitutional Court.
Minutes before midnight yesterday, on 7th June, South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma, 79, handed himself over to the Correctional Services in order to avoid arrest. The spokesperson for the police ministry, and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed that Zuma was in custody, in compliance with the order of the Constitutional Court.
The former President was served a 15-month jail term last week after he failed to attend a corruption inquiry. The sentencing triggered high political and legal drama in South Africa, which has never seen a former president jailed before. The Apex court had given him until Sunday to hand himself over, failing which the minister of police and the national commissioner of police were ordered to ensure his arrest by midnight on Wednesday, the 7th June.
President Zuma was issued a jail sentenced on 29 June for defying a court order to give evidence at an inquiry into corruption during his nine years in power. He was accused of siphoning off of state assets by favouring his businessmen friends who leveraged influence on the decision-making process.
Once an illustrious political leader, who vehemently fought against the racist system of apartheid in South Africa, his contempt of the judiciary, and attempt to evade accountability has brought disgrace to his image, say political observers. Political analysts hail his surrender as a victory for South Africa’s democracy that signals that no one is above the law – not even a former president.
