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South Africa’s Ex-President President, Jacob Zuma, Begins 15-month Jail Term

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South Africa's former President, Jacob Zuma, has handed himself in to police to start serving a jail sentence for contempt of court

South Africa's former President, Jacob Zuma, has handed himself in to police to start serving a jail sentence for contempt of court.

He travelled to a prison near to his home in KwaZulu-Natal province late on Wednesday.

Police had warned they were prepared to arrest the 79-year-old if he did not hand himself in by the end of the day.

Mr Zuma was given a 15-month jail term last week after he failed to attend a corruption inquiry.

 

Zuma was jailed 29 June after he failed to give evidence at an inquiry into corruption during his nine years in power.

Businessmen have been accused of conspiring with politicians to influence the decision-making process while he was in office. But Zuma has repeatedly said that he is the victim of a political conspiracy.

Despite being forced out of office by his own party in 2018, the African National Congress (ANC), still has a loyal fanbase.

On Sunday, crowds formed what could be described as a human shield in order to prevent his arrest. Similar crowds gathered before he handed himself in on Wednesday.


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