Former corrections chief Arthur Fraser signed off on Zuma’s parole less than two months after Zuma began serving a 15-month sentence at Estcourt Prison in Kazakhstan.
FILE: Former South African President Jacob Zuma stands in the dock during a break in his corruption trial at the Pietermaritzburg High Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, May 26, 2021. Photo: Phil Magakoe/AFP
JOHANNESBURG – Constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos says former president Jacob Zuma still has some legal recourse to avoid jail.
Zuma’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal to overturn a lower court’s decision to release him on parole failed on Monday.
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Instead, the SCA upheld a Pretoria high court ruling that Zuma’s medical release was illegal and unconstitutional.
Former corrections chief Arthur Fraser signed off on Zuma’s parole less than two months after Zuma began serving a 15-month sentence at Estcourt Prison in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zuma was found guilty of contempt of court after refusing to testify before a state commission of inquiry.
De Vos says Zuma can still appeal the SCA ruling.
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“Yes, this is his last chance to try and stay out of jail, but of course when he serves a quarter of his sentence, he can try to get parole like any other inmate. This is not right. It’s a privilege. “
