South Africa: Jacob Zuma released after reporting to prison, the reason

South Africa: Jacob Zuma released after reporting to prison, the reason

ByThe Mwebantu Team

This Friday, August 11, 2023, the South African government announced that former President Jacob Zuma, aged 81, appeared briefly in prison before being released immediately as part of sentence reductions announced the same day .

Corrections chief Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale said a decision had been made for Mr Zuma, who was convicted of contempt in 2021 and spent two months in prison before being released on medical parole, “goes to the Estcourt correctional center” in Zulu country (east). “He arrived at six this morning and was admitted into the system” before being “subject to a remission procedure” and released an hour later, he added.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Justice, President Cyril Ramaphosa validated the reduction of the sentences of “non-violent convicts” due to overcrowding of prisons in the country. In addition, it must allow the release of more than nine thousand detainees in the country.

As a reminder, in June 2021, the former South African president was convicted for stubbornly refusing to respond to a commission investigating corruption during his mandate (2009-2018). Also, he was imprisoned a few days later, which caused several days of riots, leading to the death of more than 350 people.

The Mwebantu Team
The Mwebantu Team

Led by Nia, the insightful editor-in-chief, Kwame, our technology expert, and Amara, the bold field reporter, the Mwebantu team weaves the vibrant narrative of Africa every day, forging a narrative bridge between the continent and the world. Their shared passion illuminates the mission of Mwebantu News, making African voices resonate on the global stage.