By: Natasha Archary

There will be no jail time for former President Jacob Zuma thanks to a special remission of prison sentences for non-violent offenders which was passed on Friday morning, 11 August.
The convenient timing of the remission which was reportedly being motioned for since April 2023, came into effect just hours after Zuma arrived at the Escourt Correctional Center where he was being processed.
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola said the remission of prison sentences was necessary to avoid overcrowding in correctional facilities across the country.
Some 9 000 inmates stand to benefit from the special remission, and it seems Zuma is the first.
Due to the remission, Jacob Zuma will not be placed on the parole system.
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10 August 2023 pic.twitter.com/Sc9ZZtiZ1V
In July, the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) upheld its decision that releasing Zuma on medical parole, just two months into his prison term was unlawful.
The ConCourt ruled against the Department of Correctional Services’ application to appeal a ruling that Zuma must go back to prison.
Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15-months in prison for contempt of court in 2021 for refusing to appear before the Zondo Commission.
Zuma served just 2-months of his 15-month jail term at the Escourt correctional facility, and was placed on medical parole in September 2021, just two months into his prison term.
On 14 August, Zuma underwent a surgical procedure due to his “life-threatening illness.”
Also read: Dept of Correctional Services to make decision on Zuma’s incarceration on Thursday



