Just in: State asks court to issue arrest warrant for Jacob Zuma

Oh boy. It turns out, Jacob Zuma doesn’t have to be at his corruption trial for things to get heated. State prosecutor Billy Downer has reached the end of his tether with the 77-year-old, and told the Pietermaritzburg High Court he wants to apply for an arrest warrant against the former president.

State ask for Jacob Zuma to be arrested

According to Downer, Msholozi is committing a felony by dodging the proceedings. It’s the third major legal event he’s missed in the last four months by citing illness, after he allegedly failed to supply proof of his ailments to the court beforehand. His mystery sickness has also kept him away from the State Capture Inquiry.

#ZumaTrial: Downer says it’s disappointing that no medical report has been provided by Zuma’s legal team for his non-appearance. He says not appearing without legitimate evidence, is a criminal offence. He wants a warrant of arrest to be issued for Zuma. @etvNewsSA pic.twitter.com/k6BhJB6aiD

— Nabeelah Shaikh (@Nabeelah_Shaikh) February 4, 2020

Defence retaliates in Pietermaritzburg

However, Advocate Dan Mantsha is leading the fightback on behalf of Jacob Zuma. The defence lawyer has struck back at the NPA and the state, who are now heavily pursuing the route of detention to get Zuma in the dock. Mantsha has since produced medical certificates from the Military Hospital where Zuma receives treatment.

The NPA wants a warrant of arrest to be issued against former President Jacob Zuma for not being present in court. The NPA's lead prosecutor, Advocate Billy Downer says it is a criminal offence for an accused not to appear in court. #ZumaTrial pic.twitter.com/LfBfXpkQlB

— Scelo Mncwango 🇿🇦 (@scelo_mncwango) February 4, 2020

Jacob Zuma corruption case latest

The debate over whether the court can issue an arrest warrant in this case continues on Tuesday morning. It marks one of the most dramatic moments in the ex-leader’s corruption trial, which began almost two years ago. A series of delays, postponements and legal spanners in the works of justice have seen these hearings progress at a snail’s pace. All of a sudden, things have shifted into fifth gear.

• We will have more on this story throughout the day.