Zuma parole: Security cluster on high alert amid renewed threats of unrest
Updated | By Nokukhanya N Mntambo
Police Minister Bheki Cele says the security cluster will be on high alert during the festive season to guard against unrest following the news that former president Jacob Zuma may head back to prison.
On Wednesday, the High Court in Pretoria overturned the decision by former Correctional Services Commissioner Arthur Fraser to place Zuma on medical parole.
The 79-year-old politician served less than two months of a 15-month jail term for contempt of court.
The judgment could see Zuma back at the Estcourt prison in KZN if his appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeals fails.
The Department of Correctional Services is also set to challenge the judgement.
The renewed spat with the judiciary has garnered some pushback from pro-Zuma supporters, sparking fears of renewed unrest.
But Cele assured the country security forces have their ears to the ground.
“As the cluster, we wish to reiterate our confidence in our constitutional democracy that provides that all people are equal before the law. The separation of powers and the independence of the Judiciary are the bedrock of our Constitution, and our courts function without fear or favour as they entrench the rule of law,” Cele told journalists in Pretoria on Thursday.
“Any form of recourse must follow appropriate channels within the confines of the law.”
Cele said his portfolio had engaged with the Defence portfolio for additional reinforcement.
“We have learnt from our experiences and we will have to use those experiences that the repeat of the destruction of property and loss of life as it happened shouldn’t.
“We have met with the management and leadership of the South African Police and Defence to make the preparations that the responses and reactions are much better this time and we believe they are on the ground in preparation for that as we speak.”
He added the additional forces would also be needed to strengthen tactical responses during the festive season, with large volumes of visitors expected to head to holiday destinations across the country.
#ReconciliationDay | Cele: The cluster will be on high alert following the high court's ruling on Zuma's parole.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) December 16, 2021
"The lessons learnt from the July unrest will not be wasted." pic.twitter.com/62RRnPETFK
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