Zuma had “repeatedly reiterated that he would rather be imprisoned than to cooperate with the commission or comply with the order made,” said Khampepe. “The majority judgment orders an unsuspended sentence of imprisonment for a period. 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. She added: “This kind of recalcitrance and defiance is unlawful and will be punished. On Tuesday, Khampepe said: “The constitutional court can do nothing but conclude that Mr Zuma is guilty of the crime of contempt of court.” The veteran politician denies wrongdoing and has claimed Zondo is conducting a personal vendetta. The inquiry is examining allegations of high-level graft during Zuma’s period in power.
Zuma failed to appear at the corruption inquiry led by the deputy chief justice, Raymond Zondo, in February. If he fails to do so, police will be ordered to arrest him and ensure he is “delivered to a correctional centre,” Judge Sisi Khampepe said.
The judge ordered the former president to hand himself in within five days.
