By Tamlyn Canham
Former president Jacob Zuma has been hospitalised for a “medical observation”.
The Department of Correctional Services confirmed the news in a statement released on Friday.
Zuma was admitted to a hospital outside of the Estcourt prison where he is serving a 15-month sentence.
“As a former president, the healthcare needs of Mr Zuma require the involvement of the South African Military Health Services. This has been the case since his admission at Estcourt Correctional Centre. A routine observation prompted that Mr Zuma be taken for in-hospitalisation,’’ the department said.
Officials say the health of inmates is addressed under Section 35(2) of the Constitution.
“Everybody who is detained, including every sentenced prisoner, has the right to conditions of detention that are consistent with human dignity. including at least exercise and the provision, at state expense, of adequate accomodation, nutrition, reading material and medical treatment.”
The Foundation confirms the statement by Correctional Services that indeed H.E President Zuma is in Hospital outside the prison.
The 79 year old, 1st prisoner of the ConCourt, jailed without trial is attending to his annual medical routine check up. No need to be alarmed,…yet.— JGZuma Foundation (Official) (@JGZ_Foundation) August 6, 2021
Free Zuma protests
Zuma began serving his prison sentence in July. The 79-year-old handed himself over to police after he was found guilty of contempt of court.
He defied court orders to appear before the Zondo Commission. In the days after his arrest, scores of people took to the streets as part of #FreeZuma protests.
The protests led to looting and rioting in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
More than 300 people died in the unrest. A total of 3,407 people were also arrested.
READ: Jacob Zuma’s daughter responds to Naomi Campbell’s scathing open letter



