By James Orji
Former South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma thought he’s untouched until South Africa’s Supreme court taught him a big lesson, that no one is bigger than the law. The court has ordered that the ex-president be arrested anytime from now if he fails to hand himself over to the police. he has only five days to do so, the court ruled.
The jail sentence comes after the Constitutional Court found him guilty of contempt of court, after Zuma defied its order to appear at an inquiry into corruption while he was president.
Zuma succeeded Tambo Mbeki in 2008 after the latter lost the support of the African National Congress, ANC. But Zuma’s tenure as the country’s third indigenous president had been mostly stormy, particularly over allegations that his government was marred by corruption.
His successor, Cyril Rhamaphosa had promised to fight corruption, leading to the arrest and prosecution of some allies of the former president, Zuma said his prosecution is politically motivated.
The former leader is accused of conspiring with politicians to influence the decision-making process, among other serious allegations.
But while sentencing Zuma on Monday, Acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe said no one is above the law after the former president failed to appear in court for trial.
The former president only appeared once in the inquiry headed by Justice Raymond Zondo set up to try him.
Justice Khampepe said Zuma punishment would serve as a warning to other persons who might want to to take the judiciary for granted.
She said “I am left with no option but to commit Mr Zuma to imprisonment, with the hope that doing so sends an unequivocal message… the rule of law and the administration of justice prevails.”
The former president was not in court to hear the majority ruling and has repeatedly declared that he was the victim of a giant political conspiracy.
This jail sentence marks a dramatic turning point for Zuma who spent many of his youthful years in the struggle to free South Africa from white rule.
Meanwhile, Â Zuma last month, Â pleaded not guilty to a $5 billion arm scam.
