Zuma Trail: Judge Says No Need For The Inquiry, Zuma Warrant of Arrest Cancelled

"There really is no need for the inquiry, his reasons are set out in the document."

Former President Zuma's arrest warrant has been cancelled after his lawyers provided the court with sufficient evidence proving that he was ill in February. 

The warrant of arrest was issued by Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Dhaya Pillay in February this year after Zuma's lawyers presented a medical certificate. 

Advocate Sikhakhane who represents Zuma raised concerns about Judge Dhaya Pillay's disbelieved the initial letter from the doctor who led to her issuing the arrest warrant. 

"There is an administrative issue, when Mr Zuma fell ill in February and had to go to Cuba, the learned Judge at the time disbelieved the letter from the doctor and issued a warrant of arrest," said Advocate Sikhakhane.

"We have tried to get the doctor again, who note was disbelieved, to do it again to indicate that Mr Zuma was indeed in Cuba and was ill," he added.

The prosecutor of the State Advocate Billy Downer argued that the later was not disbelieved. "It wasn't that the certificate was disbelieved. It was that we the State and I think to somewhat extent the court had found it insufficient," Advocate Downer argued.

Adv Sikhakhane:
Judge disbelieved Zuma's Dr's sick note, issued a Warrant of Arrest. Dr reissue note

Adv Downer:
It wasn't disbelieved, it was insufficient. Court must/may hold inquiry

Judge:
If State isn't challenging, there's no need for Inquiry. Warrant of Arrest is canceled pic.twitter.com/QdirZmF0b9

— Izwe Lethu (@LandNoli) June 24, 2020

After listening to deliberations between Zuma's lawyers and State prosecutor, the judge moved for the cancellation of the warrant of arrest. 

The Judge opposed the proposal by the State to hold an inquiry and said that there was no need if there was no challenge of the contents of Zuma's medical certificate.