South Africa: Jacob Zuma's release on parole sparks reactions

Former President Jacob Zuma arrives for his corruption trial in Pietermaritzburg on May 17, 2021. ROGAN WARD POOL / AFP

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3 min

In South Africa, the parole of Jacob Zuma is causing a lot of reaction.

At the age of 79, the former president was sentenced to fifteen months in prison for contempt of justice, following his refusal to appear before a commission of inquiry into corruption.

He started serving his sentence in July, but had been hospitalized since early August.

Now on parole for unspecified health reasons.

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With our correspondent in Johannesburg,

Claire Bargelès

Even if his health improves thereafter, the decision is irrevocable, according to the prison services, unless Jacob Zuma does not respect the conditions of his release.

This decision was acclaimed by his supporters, but decried by those who ask for details on his mysterious illness.

The former president's founding was one of the first to welcome the decision, while indicating that

Jacob Zuma is, for now, still in hospital

.

His former wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Cyril Ramaphosa, also expressed her relief.

But on the side of the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, it is outrage.

The party leader intends to file a request for access to the exact criteria that led to this release on parole.

Other small parties join in the concert of criticisms which target the head of the penitentiary services Arthur Fraser.

This former director of intelligence services, under President Zuma, is accused of showing bias in his decision.

Moreover, the situation reminds the public of the Schabir Shaik case.

This former adviser to Jacob Zuma, sentenced to fifteen years in prison for corruption, was also released on parole after two years, in 2009, again for health reasons.

Finally, the causes of Zuma's disease are of interest to justice in another case, the Thalès affair, postponed due to the hospitalization of the former head of state.

The prosecution is asking for a medical second opinion, so far refused by the defense.

So see what the judge will decide when the Thalès trial resumes, Thursday, September 9.

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• South Africa

• Jacob Zuma

• Justice