Nokwanda Ncwane

Masses of people waited in anticipation to welcome the former President, Jacob Zuma at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Saturday. He was making his return from his controversial medical trip in Cuba.

This comes after a warrant of arrest was issued by the Pietermaritzburg High Court when Zuma failed to appear in court earlier this month. His lawyers provided a sick note to probe that the former head of state was not feeling well, and he had not been in the country since the 23rd of January.

Among the people who were welcoming the former president at the airport was the ANC NEC member, Supra Mahumapelo, BLF leader Andile Mngxithama, former Finance minister Des Van Rooyen and the MKMVA leader, Kebby Maphatsoe. 

Mahumapelo raised his concerns that the warrant of arrest is mischievous and is deliberately objective in trying to stir emotions in the country and that they will continue to support Msholozi. 

 ‘’Before you arrive at a decision, there are many other options that you need to explore, from a legal point of view so that you are not seen to be acting in a prejudicial manner.’’ Said Mahumapelo. 

He also added that multitudes of the masses are preparing the ground so that they can descend in numbers in Pietermaritzburg on the 6th of May to support Msholozi.

Political analyst, Kim Heller is amongst those who think that Jacob Zuma is not given a fair trial. 

‘’Everyone in this country has a right to be assumed innocent until proven guilty this is not the case with Zuma” said Heller. 

Addressing the crowd, Zuma said that not appearing in court had nothing to do with dodging the law.

“My no-show in court was not to evade justice. Whenever I have to appear in court I do so. I was not faking my illness.” said Zuma.

Zuma also added that he is not afraid of jail if found guilty as he was also sentenced by the apartheid government for 10 years.