Fit Zuma mopes over jailing

Showing no signs of illness or remorse, former president Jacob Zuma addressed his supporters for the first time since his release from jail and hit out at those responsible for his sentence, including state capture commission judge Raymond Zondo.

Seeming relaxed and healthy, Zuma said in his virtual address he views his incarceration as an “unconstitutional process” and still is “a prisoner under very strict parole conditions”.

Referring to his decision not to appear before the Zondo commission, which resulted in him being sent to jail, he said it was due to the personal matter of “conflict” between himself and Zondo. He still felt the judge should have recused himself.

“He [Zondo] went on to rule against me on the matter between him and me where the facts were in dispute, and instead went to the Constitutional Court and the court acting as first and last instance ruled in his favour.”

The Constitutional Court eventually held him in contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 months in jail. Zuma served two months of his term and was then granted medical parole, which came with conditions including staying at home.

“Indeed judgment declares that expressing my views and beliefs is inappropriate and justifies a severe prison sentence without trial.”

He said he came to the realisation that things were headed for a crisis that could easily descend into severe social instability and so he handed himself over to correctional services in July to prevent loss of life to his family and supporters.