Jacob Zuma’s Trial Postponed

Corruption trial of former South Africa President, Jacob Zuma, has been postponed to next month, September 9th, 2021.

Gatekeepers News reports that the High Court Judge, Piet Koen’s decision to postpone the trial follows Zuma’s hospitalisation last week for an undisclosed medical condition.

The former South African president was taken to a hospital on Friday for medical observation, but details of his condition were not disclosed by the prison officials.

The Judge granted the postponement but ordered Zuma’s team to produce a medical report by August 20.

Justice Koen also ordered the state to appoint a medical doctor of its choice to assess whether Zuma was fit to stand trial and give evidence.

“We are at the moment completely in the dark as to the justification for the postponement, more particularly Mr Zuma’s condition,” said Wim Trengove, representing the National Prosecuting Authority, during a virtual hearing.

Trengove said that, according to a letter from Zuma’s doctor, the former president suffered from a condition requiring extensive emergency procedures that had been delayed for 18 months.

“We find it very hard to understand how that suddenly transforms into an inability to stand trial,” he said.

Zuma’s lawyer Dali Mpofu maintained his client’s medical condition was a confidential matter.

“The fact that the problem has existed for 18 months is exactly the reason why it is exacerbated now, especially since the incarceration of the accused,” he told the hearing.

Gatekeepers News reports that Zuma currently serving a 15-month jail term for contempt of court after he frequently refused to appear before corruption investigators to give evidence.

He is facing 18 charges including corruption and money laundering and has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.