The 79-year-old is currently serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court at Estcourt Correctional Centre. The nature of his illness has not been specified but in a statement he said that he would complete the rest of his sentence in the community under special conditions. He had been in hospital for the past month where he has undergone surgery. He will remain there until he has been discharged.
Zuma has handed himself in to the police in July after being sentenced for failing to attend an inquiry into corruption during his presidency. The decision to grant him parole was compelled by a medical report to South Africa’s prison department. Zuma’s medical parole could only be revoked if he does not comply with the placement conditions.
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo stated, “We want to reiterate that placement on medical parole is an option available to all sentenced offenders provided they meet all the requirements. We appeal to all South Africans to afford Zuma dignity as he continues to receive medical treatment.”
