By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected claims that he deliberately released Jacob Zuma from prison before he had finished his 15-month sentence.
The ANC government has been accused of releasing Zuma so he could help it campaign for the 29 May elections.
On numerous occasions the party has asked Zuma to help lead its campaign in the highly contested province of KwaZulu-Natal.
But Msholozi refused and instead joined the UMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, which is becoming a major force in the province.
During the ANC’s “people-to-people” campaign in Cosmo City in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa said Zuma merely benefited from a general remission aimed at reducing overcrowding in prisons.
“When I took the decision, it was not specifically aimed at former president Jacob Zuma, it was a broad decision that affected many other people who needed a remission,” Ramaphosa said.
“So I don’t regret that decision and what is happening with the IEC case is what happens in politics in state governance issues. We handle it as we move on.”
In 2021, the Constitutional Court sentenced Zuma to a 15-month jail term for contempt of court after he refused to continue to testify before the Zondo Commission.
Zuma was released on medical parole after serving less than two months of his sentence, but it was the presidential remission that set Msholozi free.
Zuma, however, continues his anti-Ramaphosa tirade, including trying to privately prosecute Ramaphosa in court.
Pictured Above: ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the party’s supporters in Orange Farm on Sunday.
Image Source: X
