S.African ex-leader Zuma asks court to cancel 15-month jail sentence

FILE PHOTO: Former South African President Jacob Zuma sits in the dock after recess in his corruption trial in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, May 26, 2021. Phill Magakoe/Pool via REUTERS//File Photo

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's ex-leader Jacob Zuma on Friday asked the country's top court to annul his 15-month jail sentence for failing to appear at a corruption inquiry, saying it was excessive, unjust and might kill him if he catches COVID-19 in prison.

The constitutional court sentenced Zuma to 15 months in jail on Tuesday for failing to appear at the corruption inquiry led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in February.