Question : On 29 June 2021, the Constitutional Court of South Africa sentenced former President Jacob Zuma to 15 months in prison for his repeated failure to appear before a jury. Accordingly, which of the following is correct ?
a. Zuma is accused of rigging during his presidency.
b. Zuma is accused of rape during his presidency.
c. Zuma is accused of spreading apartheid during his presidency.
d. None of the above
Ans. a.
Related facts —
- South Africa’s top court has recently(3 July 2021) agreed to hear Zuma’s challenge to jail sentence.
- The former president has cited his age of 79, health reasons and other unspecified reasons to cancel the sentence.
Background —
- On 29 June 2021, the Constitutional Court of South Africa sentenced former President Jacob Zuma to 15 months in prison for his repeated failure to appear before a jury.
- It is noteworthy that the ‘Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’ had campaigned for Zuma’s removal from office and criminal prosecution of him.
- Zuma is the main accused in the corruption of fifty billion rand in which three Gupta brothers – Atul, Ajay and Rajesh are also allegedly involved.
- It is alleged that the Gupta brothers of Indian origin committed corruption because of their alleged closeness with them.
- It is also alleged that the Gupta brothers also benefitted two of Zuma’s children, who are living in self-exile in Dubai.