Kamogelo Muvhenzhe
Former president Jacob Zuma underwent a surgical procedure on Saturday and will remain in hospital as more procedures are scheduled for the next coming days.
This was announced by the Department of Correctional Services in a statement on Sunday morning asking people not to speculate on Zuma’s illness.
Zuma was admitted in an outside prison hospital over a week ago.
He is currently serving 15 months jail term at the Estcourt Correctional Centre for defying a court order that compelled him to appear before the State Capture Inquiry.
Spokesperson for DCS says it is unable to predict a discharge date for the former president.
Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said as a result, the DCS is unable to predict a discharge date as the priority at this stage is for Zuma to be afforded the best care possible.
Nxumalo said inmates are placed in correctional centres involuntarily and the state has a responsibility and duty to care for them in a manner that does not violate or compromise their constitutional rights.
“This includes access to health care,” he said.
Nxumalo appealed for people to refrain from speculating on Zuma’s health.
“Allow medical practitioners space to continue providing quality healthcare to him,” he said.
