By Kaya 959 Reporter
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is calling for calm following a ruling that declared former Jacob Zuma’s medical parole unlawful.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled last week that the former president must return to prison.
The Constitutional Court sentenced Zuma to 15 months in prison after he refused to appear before the Zondo Commission.
Correctional Services officials placed him on medical parole in September after serving just two months of his sentence.
Zuma’s imprisonment in July resulted in riots in several parts of the country.
The SAHRC is hoping the latest ruling against Zuma does not result in more unrest. The Commission noted that “social media is already abuzz” with statements that could inflame the situation.
“Some statements have been made on public news media which can have the same effect,” the SAHRC noted.
It added that such media statements contributed to the unrest, which claimed many lives.
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Full confidence in the judiciary
The Commission is currently investigating the July unrest. It has called on South Africans to “ensure that their actions and statements contribute to nation-building and social harmony.”
The Commission has warned that some statements can lead to heighten tensions and further destruction. More than 300 people were killed in July.
Protestors and looters also destroyed scores of businesses. The civil unrest cost the economy billions of Rands.
It added that Zuma has the right to appeal the High Court ruling.
“Let us all be calm and exercise restraint and allow the judicial processes to unfold. The South African Human Rights Commission has full confidence in the Judiciary of this country.”
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