This archive report was first published on 30 June 2021.
On June 29, 2021, the Constitutional Court in South Africa handed down a 15-month prison sentence to former President Jacob Zuma for defying a court order to appear at an inquiry into corruption while he was president.
Acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe said in a ruling in Johannesburg, "This sends an unequivocal message in this constitutional dispensation, the rule of law and the administration of justice prevails."
Former President Zuma defied the court's order to appear at an inquiry into corruption while he was president, despite the State Capture Commission being established in 2018 to investigate corruption during his nine-year rule.
The inquiry, headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, was investigating corruption that is estimated to have cost the South African economy Sh 3.7 trillion during Zuma's time in power.
Former President Zuma attended one session and walked out during the session in November, and boycotted another in February, leading to contempt charges being filed against him.
During the trial, the prosecution lined up 40 witnesses who linked the former president to corruption, but in his defence, Zuma said the allegations were false and part of a smear campaign against him.
