Former S. African President Jacob Zuma released from jail on medical grounds

JOHANNESBURG: Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been released from prison on medical parole, the country’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said on Sunday.

“Medical parole placement for Zuma means that he will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections, whereby he must comply with a specific set of conditions and will be subjected to supervision until his sentence expires,” said DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.

“Medical parole can only be revoked if an offender does not comply with the placement conditions,” said Nxumalo, though he did not disclose the conditions which Zuma has to comply with.

Zuma’s likelihood of reoffending is low, Nxumalo added.

The former president has been serving a 15-month prison sentence since July at Estcourt Correctional Centre for contempt of court. He recently received surgery for an undisclosed ailment.

Nxumalo said inmates who are terminally ill and physically incapacitated, or suffering from an illness that severely limits their daily activities or self-care, can also be considered for medical parole.

“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,” Nxumalo said.  (Xinhua)