South Africa’s Constitutional Court today sentenced former president Jacob Zuma to 15 months direct imprisonment for contempt of court. The sentence was handed down by South Africa’s apex court after Zuma refused to testify before the Zondo Commission which is conducting a judicial enquiry into state capture.

The Zondo Commission was constituted by President Cyril Ramaphosa after his inauguration in 2018. The commission has investigated ties between the infamous Gupta family who are alleged to have exercise undue influence over the ruling party and government. The Gupta’s are believed scared billions in unduly awarded state contracts as result of their relationship with Zuma and other government ministers.

Brett Herron, the secretary-general of the GOOD Party, said the Constitutional Court judgement saved democracy in South Africa and upheld the rule of law.

John Steenhuisen, the leader of the official opposition, the Democratic Alliance, welcomed the judgement and it sends a positive message that the rule of law is alive and well in South Africa.

Mr Prince, a member of the public in the streets of Cape Town was happy with the judgement and said all South Africans should respect the law.