By: Kaya News reporter
Former President Jacob Zuma was supposed to make an appearance in his arms deal case this morning, however, according to his doctors, is ill with a “life-threatening” condition.
His doctors now have until 20 August to submit a detailed report on his medical condition and Zuma will also be assessed by a state-appointed medical practitioner.
Zuma was taken to an undisclosed hospital last week for medical observation after a report to Pietermaritzburg High Court judge Peter Koen indicated the former president’s health had taken a turn for the worst.
The report suggests that Zuma suffered a traumatic injury in November 2020 which had gone untreated due to his court appearances and now prison sentence, which has resulted in him facing a ‘life-threatening’ medical condition that could take up to 6-months to treat.
During this morning’s virtual hearing, advocate for the state Wim Trengrove argued, “We are completely in the dark as to the justification for the postponement regarding his condition. The doctor’s letter does not identify the medical condition at all, and it’s hard to understand how this medical crisis has been dragging on for 18 months.”
Zuma’s defence led by advocate Dali Mpofu contested that the exact medical condition remains a matter of doctor-patient confidentiality.
Jacob Zuma is serving 15 months in the Escourt correctional services facility for contempt of the Constitutional Court ruling that he present himself before the state capture inquiry.
His case was postponed until September 9 and 10 and it was agreed judge Koen would be informed if Zuma was well enough to attend court.