Just In: Jacob Zuma admitted to hospital
Imprisoned former president Jacob Zuma was today admitted to an outside hospital for medical observation. This was confirmed in a statement on Friday morning by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
It said a ’’routine observation’’ by the Military Health Services prompted that the 79-year-old Zuma be admitted to hospital.
’’The health of inmates is addressed under Section 35(2) of the Constitution. This obliges the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to ensure that: ’Everyone who is detained, including every sentenced prisoner, has the right to conditions of detention that are consistent with human dignity, including at least exercise and the provision, at state expense, of adequate accommodation, nutrition, reading material and medical treatment.
’’As a former president, the healthcare needs of Mr Zuma require the involvement of the South African Military Health Services. This has been the case since his admission at Estcourt Correctional Centre. A routine observation prompted that Mr Zuma be taken for in-hospitalisation.’’
Zuma was admitted to a correctional facility in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, late on July 7 to start serving a 15-month jail sentence handed to him by the Constitutional Court last week for contempt of court.
Just In: Jacob Zuma admitted to hospital
However, it was recently reported Confirmed Reports: ANC worried about more violence on 10 August. Three weeks ago KZN and Gauteng provinces saw violent protests that made all sorts of headlines for the wrong reasons. In the wake of those daring protests, the ANC is more than worried if Jacob Zuma trial slatted for 10 August won’t rekindle the unrest.
The Free Jacob Zuma protesters have already made it known that they will be taking it to the streets until the government consider their demands. A protest is already being planned for 10 August when former President Jacob Zuma appears in court, and the police are worried that stolen ammunition could be used in new attacks.
Zuma is currently serving a 15-month jail sentence at the Estcourt Correctional Centre for contempt of court. His sentence came after ignoring calls to appear before the Zondo Commission.
Despite being behind bars already Zuma’s corruption trial related to the arms deal will start in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg. Zuma is accused of taking bribes from his former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, in exchange for political influence linked to the South African military procurement programme.