Where is Jacob Zuma? Msholozi missing, defence apologise for ‘disrespect’

Jacob Zuma’s long-running corruption trial took another intriguing twist on Friday, as Msholozi failed to show-up for proceedings. The former president has lodged his arguments for leave to appeal the case at Bloemfontein’s Supreme Court, but sent his legal team to do his bidding instead.

Where is Jacob Zuma?

It’s understood that Zuma is still struggling with an illness that caused him to miss a scheduled appearance at the State Capture Inquiry this month. The 77-year-old missed a scheduled five days of testimony, and it’s believed he is still recovering at home. But, the show went on in Pietermaritzburg.

The court case continued uninterrupted, as Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane went into bat for his client. As we reported recently, JZ’s nine lives are coming to an end: Should the court decide there is no way another court – even the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA)- would rule in his favour, there would be nothing stopping the bench of judges from resuming the corruption trial on 4 February 2020.

This is Jacob Zuma we’re talking about, though. If anyone could find another bar after drinking in the last-chance saloon, it’s him. He’s facing 16 separate charges of corruption, relating to his involvement with an illegal arms deal facilitated between French company Thales and the South African government.

Apologies placed for “disrespectful language”

Sikhakhane rallied in Zuma’s defence, by claiming that the National Prosecuting Authority have “undermined the integrity” of the prosecution. The crime-busters have been accused of mishandling this case from start to finish, and they’re also accused of plotting against the former president in order to secure a conviction. The advocate says his client is the victim of prejudicial conduct, and the SCA need to run the rule over this issue.

Deliberations continue on Friday afternoon, but there was a rare moment of humility in the courtroom that will eventually decide Jacob Zuma’s fate. Sikhakhane also apologised for the “disrespectful tone” made through uBaba’s submissions to the court. Fantastical rants about government conspiracies and NPA collusions were littered with insults and accusations – something the defence have retreated from on Friday.

#JacobZuma Sikhakhane has rejected the court's view that the prejudices and violations they raise are outweighed by the seriousness of the offence. MEM

— CapricornFM News (@CapricornFMNews) November 22, 2019