By Annisa Essack
05:09:2021

The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed that Jacob Zuma, serving a 15-month-jail term at Estcourt Prison, has been placed on parole.

In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, the department said: “Medical parole’s eligibility for Mr Zuma is impelled by a medical report received by the Department of Correctional Services. Apart from being terminally ill and physically incapacitated, inmates suffering from an illness that severely limits their daily activity or self-care can also be considered for medical parole.”

The Constitutional Court sentenced former President Zuma to contempt of court after refusing to testify before the state capture commission of inquiry chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.  Zuma has only spent two months of his 15-month-jail term in prison.

According to the statement, Zuma’s medical parole means that he will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections.

Correctional Service’s spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said a section of the Correctional Services Act allows the National Commissioner to place under correctional supervision, or day parole, or grant parole, or medical parole to a sentenced offender serving a sentence of incarceration for 24 months or less.

Nxumalo added that medical parole could only be revoked if an offender does not comply with the placement conditions.

“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,” said Nxumalo.