Former South African President, Jacob Zuma Released From Prison After 15 Months

Jacob Zuma, former South African President, has been released from prison as he completes a 15-month prison sentence over contempt of court.

He was sentenced 15 months in prison for ignoring court instructions to participate in a corruption inquiry.

 

Following the jail term, Zuma on July 7, 2021, turned himself in to the South African authorities to begin his sentence.

But his action sparked protests in South Africa as his supporters took to the streets to express their rejection of the former president’s jail term. But he went ahead to serve the 15 months sentence.

Meanwhile, it would be recalled that in September 2021, Zuma was released on medical parole, but a high court in the country overturned the move and ordered him to return to jail.

However, he appealed the ruling and remained on parole pending the appeal outcome.

On Friday, his jail term came to an end and in a statement, Zuma thanked his supporters, saying that their loyalty strengthened his resolve not to falter.

“The messages of support on social media and other platforms kept me strong and focused on ensuring that those who wanted to break my spirit and resolve do not succeed,” Zuma was quoted as saying.

The South African correctional services department said in a statement that “Zuma complied with his conditions for medical parole as set out during his placement.

“All administrative processes have now been concluded and the sentence expiry date marks the end of him serving his sentence under community corrections.”