Former South African president Zuma says his life is in danger

The former South African president Jacob Zuma, returning on his second day of testimony, revealed that his life, and that of his attorney, Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, was in danger.

He claimed that his personal assistant relayed a message that was received from an unknown person that he was going to die. He also stated that Sikhakhane and some members of his family have received similar death threats.

In his testimony the previous day to a corruption inquiry, Zuma had denied allegations of graft and said his enemies had plotted decades ago to get rid of him.

The country’s deputy chief justice, Raymond Zondo, who is overseeing the inquiry, said in reaction to this startling revelation, condemned those who are allegedly behind these death threats. Although, he did admit that the protection services offered by the inquiry were not as advanced as Zuma’s security detail.

“It’s unacceptable. People who come to the commission should not be threatened or intimidated. Their families should not be threatened or intimidated. All people in this country should take a stand against all forms of violence,” Zondo stated.

Zuma has continued giving testimony at the inquiry, with the former GCIS head, Themba Maseko’s evidence being tested.

The inquiry is spotlighting the graft allegations that clouded Zuma’s nine-year presidency that Zuma allowed three Gupta brothers, friends of his, to plunder state resources and influence senior government appointments.