A senior official from South African prisons indicated today, Friday, that former President Jacob Zuma appeared at "Estcourt" Prison and was released on early parole. This announcement follows last month’s rejection by the Constitutional Court of an attempt to overturn a lower court ruling regarding the legality of Zuma's release on medical parole, stating that he should return to prison to complete his sentence.
Zuma, 81, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for failing to comply with a court order to cooperate in an investigation into high-level corruption during his nine-year presidency. He surrendered to authorities in July 2021, but was released a month later on medical parole due to health concerns. The former president denies any corruption charges.
Zuma's initial arrest two years ago sparked violent protests across South Africa, resulting in over 300 deaths.
