Imprisoned former president Jacob Zuma will appear in person in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg next Tuesday for his plea hearing.

The case was expected to be heard virtually, but Zuma’s legal team argued that a virtual hearing would violate his right to a fair trial.

Judge Pete Koen issued a directive that stated that the matter would proceed in an open court.

The directive also stated that Covid-19 safety protocols, including the wearing of masks, should be strictly adhered to.