Former president Jacob Zuma returned home on Saturday after a month-long trip to Cuba for medical treatment and declared he was not afraid of prison.
Zuma, 77, was slapped with an arrest warrant earlier this month after his lawyers claimed he was too ill to travel back to South Africa for a pre-trial hearing on corruption charges.
A high court issued the warrant after it questioned the authenticity of his sick note, but said it would not be executed until the case is set to resume on May 6.
A crowd of people gathered at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo international airport to welcome Zuma.
“I am not afraid of prison,” Zuma told his supporters in Zulu before being ushered out of the arrivals hall.
He raised his thumbs and grinned from behind a pair of dark glasses as a singing crowd gathered around him.
Zuma is alleged to have taken bribes of R4-million related to a $3.4 billion arms deal in 1999 when he was deputy president.
In all, he faces 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering related to the purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military equipment.
The arrest warrant was just the latest twist in a case that has seen many legal turns over the past decade and a half.
Critics have dubbed Zuma the “Teflon president” for his reputed ability to evade judicial reckoning.
He has also been accused of orchestrating the systematic plunder of government coffers during his rule in a scandal known as “state capture”.
“(Zuma) has always respected the courts,” supporter Carl Niehaus told reporters before the ex-president’s arrival.
“There is no need to vilify him and try and turn him into a fugitive of justice.”
Little has been disclosed about the current state of Zuma’s health or the type of treatment he has been receiving.
He was forced to step down in 2018 by the ANC after a nine-year reign marked by corruption allegations and dwindling popularity.
#ZumaReturns Happening Now: Former president Jacob Zuma standing behind the statue of OR Tambo to address his supporters, who have gathered to welcome him back from Cuba. pic.twitter.com/GsUJ5CuIbK
— Govan Whittles (@van1go) February 22, 2020
#ZumaReturns Former ANC NW chairperson Supra Mahumapelo and current ANC FS chairperson Sam Mashinini have arrived ORT. pic.twitter.com/uVf0SDatLx
— Govan Whittles (@van1go) February 22, 2020
An elevated view of Zuma supporters at #ORT int waiting for the former president. #ZumaReturns About 500 people here (that’s a generous estimate). pic.twitter.com/m1KsGFqlDs
— Govan Whittles (@van1go) February 22, 2020
#ZumaReturns MKMVA leaders Kebby Maphatsoe and Des van Rooyen have arrived, along with Andile Mngxitama. Over 200 people here now. pic.twitter.com/TPNLzKQ7vH
— Govan Whittles (@van1go) February 22, 2020
#ZumaReturns RET forces say former president Zuma will be welcomed back by ANC NEC leaders, to demonstrate the support he has. pic.twitter.com/qXGuR13KFQ
— Govan Whittles (@van1go) February 22, 2020
#ZumaReturns Just over a hundred people here at ORT international now, among them members of ANC Free State and ANC Women’s League. pic.twitter.com/UlLKB1jXzU
— Govan Whittles (@van1go) February 22, 2020
Good morning from ORT international where former president Jacob Zuma is expected to land within the hour from Cuba, where he received medical attention. The RET forces are here. Spotted a few members of the failed BLF here as well. #ZumaReturns pic.twitter.com/qhZQV2VAyD
— Govan Whittles (@van1go) February 22, 2020
In other news – The River actress Linda Mtoba fears for her Daughter’s life
Actress Linda Mtoba is a glowing and protective mother, who prays her child will be protected in “this cruel world”. The River star, like many, is worried about raising her daughter in a society that can be dangerous.
On Twitter at the weekend, she said: “I pray so much over my daughter. I pray she lives a fulfilled life, that she may never know great sorrow or hurt. continue reading
Source: eNCA
