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South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma must return to prison after his conditional release last year on health grounds since his release on parole was contrary to the law, an appeals court ruled
South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma must return to prison after his conditional release last year on health grounds since his release on parole was contrary to the law, an appeals court ruled. The 80-year-old former head of state, who has officially finished serving a 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court, was convicted in June 2021 for refusing to testify before a commission investigating corruption under his presidency (2009-2018). The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that Zuma’s conditional release on medical grounds was contrary to the law.
Zuma’s imprisonment triggered an unprecedented wave of violence and looting, which left 350 dead and several injured. However, two months later, he was released on health grounds and placed under judicial supervision. The parole was granted by the head of the prison service. It was against the advice of the institution’s medical committee that considered his health conditions and came to the conclusion that Zuma did not meet the medical conditions to be granted parole, the order said.
According to multiple medical reports cited in the court of appeal’s decision, he suffers from blood pressure, high blood sugar, and suffers from severe colon damage. However, his medical reports seem to be opaque, the order said. The court order stated that Zuma, by law, has not finished serving his sentence. Therefore, he must return to the Escort Correctional Centre ” (KwaZulu-Natal, south-east), the order said, adding that the jail superintendent had not acted with due diligence while granting parole to Zuma on health grounds. The court was also given evidence that Zuma had appeared in public several times, dancing and singing with his supporters.
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It is significant to note that notwithstanding his alleged involvement in several scandals, Zuma remains the major opponent to president Cyril Ramaphosa’s bid to secure another term as leader of the ANC party, who will be selected in the next party meeting to be held December 16. The party nominee will be the next candidate for the next president, the election for which will be held in 2024. It may be noted that there are also corruption charges against Ramaphosa.
