Nokwanda Dlangamandla | kzn@radioislam.org.za
2 min read | 13:15 PM (CAT)

Photo Credit: The Citizen

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has ordered the former president to return to prison.

This comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA), Helen Suzman Foundation and AfriForum applied to the Court of Appeal to review Zuma’s medical parole.

Zuma had appealed the high court’s ruling in December last year, which set aside former Correctional Services national commissioner Arthur Fraser’s decision to grant him medical parole.

On Monday, the Appeal (SCA) dismissed with costs former President Jacob Zuma’s appeal against the setting aside his medical parole by the Pretoria High Court.

According to Christopher Fisher, legal researcher of the Helen Suzman Foundation, who spoke with radio Islam international, the decision sends a powerfully affirmative message to South African officials who disobey the law.

“I think it is a difficult time for us South Africans, but it is a good statement in terms of the quality of the law because that’s precisely what the supreme court of appeal has confirmed that even if you are a former president, your actions will be subjected to the law and not be above the law”, said Fisher.

He said he is hopeful that government officials will receive the ruling with respect and refrain from thinking they can abuse the law for their interest.

Fisher further stated that after the ruling, Zuma is anticipated to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

“It will be completely expected to see an Appeal follow in today’s judgement,” Fisher asserted.

Zuma and Correctional Services national commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, were ordered to split the costs of the DA, the HSF and AfriForum.

The SCA states that prison officials will determine whether the time the former president spent on unauthorized medical parole should be included in his 15-month contempt sentence.

Listen to the interview with Christopher Fisher, legal researcher of the Helen Suzman Foundation on Your World Today, hosted by Annisa Essack