Zuma must surrender himself to police: Steenhuisen

Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), John Steenhuisen, has called on Former President, Jacob Zuma, to surrender himself to police yet again.

Yesterday, the Constitutional Court dismissed the Department of Correctional Services’ bid to challenge a high court ruling, which had declared Zuma’s release on medical parole invalid.

The Apex Court found that the application had no reasonable prospects of success.

Zuma was released on medical parole in September 2021 after serving less than two months of his contempt of court sentence.

The former statesman was detained at the Escourt Correctional Centre after he defied an order by the highest court in the land to appear before the state capture commission.

Thursday’s ruling paves the way for the former president to return to prison and complete his 15-month sentence.

Steenhuisen says the judgment confirms that Zuma belongs in jail.

“The DA’s lawyers are currently drafting a letter which we will submit to Mr Zuma calling for him to voluntarily surrender himself to arrest within a reasonable timeframe.

Should Mr Zuma fail to adhere to this request, we will write to the National Commissioner for Correctional Services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale calling for him to arrest Mr Zuma, and return him to Estcourt Correctional Centre.”

The leader of the official opposition says the ruling also sends a very strong message to corrupt ANC cadres that no amount of violence and unrest will deter South Africa’s institutions and authorities from upholding the rule of law.

The damning judgment comes amid the former president’s visit to Russia to seek medical attention.

His foundation says Zuma will only return to South Africa once his treatment is completed.

ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba, says Zuma should not avoid accountability by fleeing to Russia.

“It is extremely suspicious that a day after the Constitutional Court ruled that President Zuma should return to the Estcourt Correctional Centre to complete his prison sentence, it emerged that he fled to Russia to seek medical attention,” says the ActionSA boss.

Mashaba says it cannot be that President Zuma is treated differently from other South Africans, by repeatedly frustrating legal processes and undermining the country’s Constitutional Democracy.

The Department of Correctional Services says it will study the judgment and seek legal advice on the matter.

The public sentiment on the matter is divided on social media.

In layman's terms, being on parole is like being an outdoor prisoner.
H.E President Zuma has served the prison term (indoor and outdoor) in full.
Even if the decision for outdoor is deemed unlawful, oksalayo he did his time.
Let the old man have peace.

— Mzwanele Manyi (@MzwaneleManyi) July 14, 2023

Lol, 😂😂 Jacob Zuma is an asylum seeker in Russia as a result of his imminent arrest. pic.twitter.com/GX6GJYDYLz

— Abuti Josef🇿🇦 (@AbutiJosef) July 14, 2023

Never forget what Justice Theron and Justice Jafta said in the dissenting Judgement in the Zuma 2021 case.

In their view which I agree with – The decision to imprison Zuma for contempt at the Zondo commission without being linked to a coercive order was unconstitutional. pic.twitter.com/PlNlyriHKQ

— Africa Research Desk (@MightiJamie) July 14, 2023

Some of us have a genuine love & appreciation for President Zuma, which is why it’s painful to watch some of the developments. There’s no amount of money you can give us or insults you can throw for us to think otherwise about him, stay strong Nxamalala

— Bonga Makhanya (@BongaOfficial) July 13, 2023

It was not a coincidence that the concourt made that nonsensical decision yesterday. Those thugs in robes and the money launderer knew that President Zuma is sick and in Russia , that's how cruel they're, sies!!! pic.twitter.com/B1ZNqh7q16

— The Special one🇿🇦 (@Nhleiks5) July 14, 2023