Lungani Zungu
Former president Jacob Zuma is talking and walking and “not collapsing”, according to his spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi.
Zuma’s brother said his brother Khanya said he is in his usual happy mood.
These reports paint a far different picture from the state Zuma was reportedly in when national commissioner of the Correctional Services Arthur Fraser released him from prison a fortnight ago, saying he was too ill to be in jail.
Zuma had spent just two months of his 15-month sentence when Fraser gave the green light for his release.
Khanya said: “He is a strong man, and he is well. He is in his usual happy mood.”
He said the family expects to see him soon.
“We can’t wait to host a welcoming traditional ceremony for him,” he said.
Reports of the former president’s good health has led to questions over why Fraser released Zuma just weeks before his contract as commissioner of correctional services was due to end.
The DA, which has gone to court to have Fraser’s decision reversed, said he is protecting his long-time ally.
Party leader John Steenhuisen said the party would not allow Zuma to walk away scot-free, after defying two court orders telling him to appear at the state capture commission inquiry.
“Our duty as the DA is to hold politicians accountable,” said Steenhuisen.
The AfriForum’s Kallie Kriel said they want Zuma to go back to prison to serve his full prison term.
“No one is above the law, and no person must be allowed to abuse state resources like Fraser did,” said Kriel.
Zuma had also left his supporters disappointed who were eagerly waiting to welcome him back from prison.
He has kept them waiting as he is said to be recovering in a Gauteng hospital – after delaying surgery for 18 months.
The correctional services were subpoenaed to the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday, where they were expected to give evidence why they had released Zuma from jail.
Zuma is expected to make his first public appearance after his release from prison in the next coming weeks.
