South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma was briefly returned to prison on Friday to comply with a court ruling that deemed his release on medical grounds unlawful.
However, Zuma’s stay in custody was short-lived, as he was swiftly freed under a remission process aimed at addressing prison overcrowding.
Jacob Zuma in a South African for hearing. Photo| Courtesy
Zuma arrived at the Estcourt correctional detention facility where he was processed and “admitted to the system.” However, the Correctional Services national commissioner confirmed that Zuma was promptly released. Makgothi Thobakgale confirmed that the release was done an hour after his re-arrest.
Zuma held the presidency from 2008 to 2018. He found himself incarcerated in July 2021 after being convicted of contempt of court. This charge stemmed from his defiance of a summon to appear before an inquiry investigating corruption allegations during his tenure.
The initial arrest of the former president sparked violent protests across South Africa, resulting in tragic fatalities.
Subsequently, in September 2021, the government’s correctional services department granted Zuma medical parole due to his reported ill health. The decision to release him on medical grounds was upheld in October 2022.
However, South Africa’s Court of Appeal rendered a significant verdict in November, asserting that Zuma’s release on medical parole was illegal. Consequently, Zuma was ordered to return to prison, marking the latest twist in his legal journey.
To adhere to the court’s directive, Jacob Zuma was briefly confined to the Estcourt facility before being liberated once again. This swift release was attributed to the remission policy endorsed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The [policy aimed at mitigating prison overcrowding and offering a second chance to nonviolent offenders.
Ronald Lamola, the Correctional Services Minister, emphasized the grave implications overcrowding poses for inmate well-being and the prison system’s functionality.
He stressed that overcrowding not only threatens security and inmate welfare but also hampers the implementation of vital rehabilitation programs.
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