Zuma temporarily released from prison to attend brothers funeral

By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa

Jailed former South African president Jacob Zuma has been temporarily released from prison so he can attend his brother’s funeral.

This was confirmed by the South African government in a statement issued by the department of correctional services on Thursday.

“As a short-term, low-risk classified inmate, Mr Zuma’s application for compassionate leave was processed and approved,” reads the statement.

The statement further highlighted that Zuma still remains an offender despite the temporary permission to leave the correctional facility.

“A sentenced offender is who is granted permission to leave a correctional centre remains sentenced offender even while temporarily outside.”

Michael Zuma (77) younger brother to former president Jacob Zuma died a few days after his brother handed over himself to the authorities to begin serving his 15-month sentence for contempt of court.

Zuma handed over himself on July 8 in the Eastern town of Estcourt Correctional Centre.

However, a senior family member, Khanya Zuma told a South African publication that Michael’s death was not related to the jailing of his older brother.