Lungani Zungu
Just a few days before the start of his corruption trial, Jacob Zuma has been admitted to a hospital in Estcourt.
The former president is serving a 15-month jail term for defying a Constitutional Court order to appear before the state capture commission.
The Department of Correctional Services said: “As a former president, the healthcare needs of Mr Zuma require the involvement of the South African Military Health Services. This has been the case since his admission at Estcourt Correctional Centre.”
In a press statement the department said: “A routine observation prompted Mr Zuma to be taken for in-hospitalisation.”
Zuma is heading back to the Pietermaritzburg High Court next Tuesday over the Arms Deal charges where he had pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
He applied to have the proceeding heard in an open court and Judge Pete Koen ruled in his favour.
Over the years, Zuma has received medical treatments in countries like Russia and Cuba after he took ill.
His foundation, the JG Zuma Foundation, confirmed that Zuma had been admitted to the hospital.
“He is attending his annual check-up. No need to be alarmed yet,” said his foundation.
His brother, Khanya, said they haven’t been informed yet that Zuma was in the hospital.
