THE ANC has adopted a neutral approach with regards to former president Jacob Zuma’s court woes that saw him being slapped with a stayed warrant of arrest on Tuesday.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Dhaya Pillay on Tuesday issued a warrant of arrest for Zuma after he failed to show up in his corruption due to ill health.
Pillay had issued the warrant after she refused to accept a reportedly altered medical certificate which was submitted by Zuma lawyers to prove that he was ill and could not attend the trial.
“A warrant of arrest for accused one, Mr. Zuma, is issued,” Pillay said.
However she stayed execution of the warrant until 6 May, when the trial is scheduled to resume. This is also to allow his defence team to convince the court that he is ill.
Zuma’s lawyer Danile Mantsha they were weighing option following the issuing the warrant of arrest.
“Look, we believe in the independence of the judiciary but judges are human beings - they can make errors of facts and law and when you conclude that there’s an error of fact, there are necessary procedures that you follow,” Mantsha was quoted by a radio as saying.
The developments have seen some ANC senior members loyal to Zuma condemning the issuing of the arrest. These included Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina who tweeted that he was now prepared to go to jail for Zuma.
“Now that the justice has pronounced itself, I’m ready to go to jail for @PresJGZuma since he is sick and currently receiving medical attention in Cuba and there is no one to blame. History has no blank pages, and indeed does have capacity to repeat itself,” tweeted Masina.
The ANC in a statement urged Zuma’s supporters to exercise patience and allow the court to deal with the matter.
“In keeping with its principle of upholding and defending the independence of the judiciary, the ANC respects the decision of the court.
“Former President Jacob Zuma is a law-abiding citizen who has consistently respected the courts and submitted himself to judicial processes regardless of his stature,” the party said.
It added that Zuma has always cooperated with law-enforcement agencies whenever asked to do so.
“The ANC appeals to members of the public to exercise patience and allow Former President Jacob Zuma and the courts to deal with the matter when it resumes again on the 6th of May 2020,” it said.
