ANC, DA react to SCA ruling on Zuma medical parole

This follows the dismissal by the SCA in Bloemfontein of Zuma’s appeal against a High Court ruling that found his release on medical parole in September last year was unlawful and invalid. However, the court has left it up to the correctional services commissioner to decide on the remainder of his sentence.

Zuma was released after serving less than two months of the 15-month sentence handed down by the Constitutional Court in his contempt of court case. The apex court had found the former president guilty of contempt after he failed to appear before the commission of inquiry into state capture.

ANC KZN secretary Bheki Mtolo says they are confident the commissioner will make the “good” decision.

“We respect our judiciary; we respect their independence, but we think that this is a very well thought and crafted judgment. We know that the commissioner will take a good decision.”

At the same time, the Democratic Alliance who are respondents in the matter, have welcomed the ruling. They’ve also called on the commissioner to do “the right” thing.

“Mr Zuma must be made to serve his sentence like any other South African will have to do.”

Meanwhile, the Correctional Service Department says it respects the court’s decision and will study the full judgment in seeking to clarify a way forward in the requisite timeframe.