Judgment Day: Jacob Zuma could receive a jail sentence TOMORROW

Hell hath no fury like a Deputy Chief Justice scorned: The Constitutional Court of SA has a major event pencilled in for Tuesday 29 June – as they return a verdict on the ‘contempt of court’ case filed against Jacob Zuma last year.

Raymond Zondo vs Jacob Zuma – it all ends here…

The former president ignored multiple directives to pitch up at the State Capture Inquiry. However, this was more than just a stance of defiance – Zuma had blatantly broken the laws detailed in the long-standing ‘Commissions Act’, which rules that absconding from a public inquiry constitutes a criminal offence.

Essentially, Jacob Zuma is banged to rights here. His legal team have argued about ‘unfair treatment’ at the Zondo Commission, and they are still convinced that the DCJ should have recused himself from the panel. The main event of tomorrow, however, may end up being the ‘sanctioning’, rather than the verdict itself.

Is jail a real possibility for Jacob Zuma?

Flouting the laws of the Commissions Act comes with a maximum imprisonment of two years. Someone in violation of these rules is also liable to pay a hefty fine. Should Jacob Zuma be found guilty in this case, there’s a very real possibility that a jail sentence could be coming his way – something the 79-year-old previously stated he ‘does not fear’.

However, none of us should assume that Msholozi will be in the slammer before we all get to our lunch breaks on Tuesday. Any verdict or punishment deemed unfavourable to Mr. Zuma will be challenged vehemently by his lawyers.

When will ConCourt deliver its verdict?

Judgment Day has indeed arrived for uBaba, but as we’ve all learned from previous experiences, things are never straightforward when he’s in the courtroom. Proceedings in ConCourt will begin at 10:00 on 29 June.

“Judgment on Tuesday, 29 June at 10:00 will consider the following: Is former President Jacob Zuma guilty of contempt of court and, if so, what is the appropriate sanction? This case is the Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture v JG Zuma and Others.”

“Please note that court attendance at this hand down will be limited to 20 members of the public, including the media, due to the current coronavirus restrictions relating to Level 4 of lockdown.”

(1/2) Judgment on Tuesday, 29 June at 10h00: Is former President Jacob Zuma guilty of contempt of court and, if so, what is the appropriate sanction? (Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture v JG Zuma and Others)

— Constitutional Court (@ConCourtSA) June 28, 2021