By Kaya 959 News
The Department of Correctional Services says Jacob Zuma has been granted compassionate leave in order to attend to a family bereavement.
“A sentenced offender who is granted permission to leave a correctional centre, remained a sentenced offender even while temporarily outside. The permission granted to Mr Zuma is for 22 July 2021,” the department said.
Zuma’s younger brother, Michael Zuma, will be buried in Nkandla on Thursday.
He passed away on July 11. While his cause of death has not been revealed, he suffered from an undisclosed illness for several years.
Correctional services officials say Zuma will not be required to wear a prison uniform while attending the funeral service.
“When outside a correctional facility, inmates need not to wear offender uniform.
“As a short-term, low-risk classified inmate, Mr Zuma’s application for compassionate leave was processed and approved following the correctional services prescripts,” spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said.
Zuma serving 15-month sentence
The former South African president is serving a 15-month prison sentence at the Estcourt Correctional Centre.
The Constitutional Court found Zuma guilty of contempt of court for refusing to appear before the Zondo Commission.
He began serving his sentence on Wednesday, July 7.
Shortly after his incarceration, #FreeZuma protests broke out in parts of Gauteng and KZN.
The two provinces were hit hard by violence and looting. More than 200 people died during the unrest.
