The Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa has ordered former President Jacob Zuma to return to prison following his conditional release on health grounds.
According to African News, Zuma’s freedom was declared illegal by the court on Monday, after he finished serving a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
The 80-year-old was convicted in June 2021 for stubbornly refusing to testify before a commission investigating corruption under his presidency (2009-2018).
Zuma’s imprisonment was greeted with a wave of violence and looting which led to the death of 350 persons.
“Mr Zuma, by law, has not finished serving his sentence. He must return to the Escourt Correctional Centre,” it added.
According to medical experts, the ex-president “does not meet the required conditions.”
The head of the prison service had granted bail against the advice of the institution’s medical committee.
While Zuma’s health issues remain cloudy, multiple medical reports cited in the court of appeal’s decision said he suffers from blood pressure problems, high blood sugar levels and severe colon damage.