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JOHANNESBURG — A judge in South Africa on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for former president Jacob Zuma for failing to appear in court in a corruption case.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation reported that the warrant was issued after the National Prosecuting Authority requested it. Zuma was meant to appear in front of the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

Zuma has claimed to be ill. Reports have said he is in Cuba seeking treatment. No details have been given about the state of his health.

A court late last year a court dismissed Zuma’s attempt to appeal a ruling that cleared the way for him to be prosecuted. He is accused of receiving bribes from French arms manufacturer Thales through his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who was convicted of fraud and corruption in 2005.

Zuma denies charges of corruption, money laundering and racketeering related to South Africa’s controversial 1999 arms deal. He has alleged his case was prejudiced by lengthy delays in bringing the matter to trial. He also has alleged political interference.

Zuma resigned in 2018 under pressure from the ruling African National Congress after widespread public outcry over allegations of mismanagement and corruption that severely affected state-owned companies.