Cape Town – South African Communist Party (SACP) general secretary, Dr Blade Nzimande, says it’s unfortunate that former president Jacob Zuma is in prison “but the rule of law must be maintained”.
Nzimande said this while speaking during SACP’s virtual centenary celebrations on Sunday.
“It is indeed unfortunate that a leader like Jacob Zuma is behind bars and no one is celebrating but the rule of law must be maintained,” Nzimande said.
He also spoke about the recent violence in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng following Zuma’s arrest, saying the looting and burning of infrastructure was an insurrection.
SACP General Secretary, Comrade Blade Nzimande, presents the message of the SACP during the SACP’s Centenary celebrations. #SACP100 pic.twitter.com/jDBlMFK5GB
— SACP (@SACP1921) August 1, 2021
“The dangerous insurrection emerged from its nesting place within the ANC (African National Congress) itself,” said the outspoken SACP secretary-general.
Zuma’s incarceration sparked riots and looting that escalated into the worst violence since the end of apartheid, killing more than 300 people, according to the official count.
Zuma, 79, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court in June after snubbing graft investigators probing his presidency.
He turned himself in on July 8 at Estcourt Correctional Centre, around an hour’s drive from his rural Nkandla home.
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“The first objective was to prevent his going to jail and then when they were caught by surprise, they then attempted to secure his immediate release,” said Nzimande.
After nine years in office, Zuma was ousted by the ruling ANC party in 2018 over a series of graft scandals that arose during his presidency.
The charismatic ex-leader retains a fervent support base both within the ANC and among the general public.
Zuma is also on trial for allegedly taking kickbacks from an arms deal with several international companies in 1999, when he was deputy president.
He fervently denies any wrongdoing.
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Additional reporting by AFP
