An arrest warrant issued for former president Jacob Zuma relating to a missed appearance in the graft case he is facing has been withdrawn, the Pietermaritzburg High Court heard on Tuesday.

Zuma’s advocate, Muzi Sikhakhane, told judge Kate Pillay that the defence had obtained a more detailed sick note from Zuma’s attending physician, a Dr ZK Motene, who is based at One Military Hospital and is part of a cohort of medical personnel seconded to the Union Buildings, which house the offices of the President of South Africa.

“The learned judge at the time (during February proceedings) disbelieved the doctor and issued a warrant of arrest. To put this matter to bed once and for all, we have tried to get that doctor again whose note was disbelieved to do it again that Mr Zuma was in Cuba and he was ill,” said Sikhakhane.

Judge Pillay asked senior state prosecutor, advocate Billy Downer, who was handed the document in court, if he was satisfied with the note, to which he indicated yes.

“Mr Sikhakhane, the warrant of arrest is cancelled,” Pillay said.

Zuma failed to appear in court in February without giving adequate notice, and a stayed arrest warrant was issued after the defence then submitted a poorly detailed “sick note” to explain his absence, with no supporting documentation on his illness.

Zuma claimed that he was seeking medical treatment in Cuba when he was expected to be attending the February hearing but did not at the time provide the prosecution with details.