JOHANNESBURG- Ex-South Africa’s president, Jacob Zuma, was hospitalized yesterday for what his foundation called his annual routine medical check-up. Zuma is currently serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court at Estcourt Prison in Kwa-Zulu Natal province.
“No need to be alarmed, … yet,” said the foundation in a tweet. South Africa’s Correctional Services department confirmed that Zuma was transferred to an outside hospital for further examination following a routine observation at the prison.
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It said: “Everyone who is detained, including every sentenced prisoner, has the right to conditions of detention that are consistent with human dignity, including … medical treatment.”
Zuma, 79, was jailed for defying a Constitutional Court order to give evidence at an inquiry investigating high-level corruption during his nine years in office until 2018.
Protests last month by his supporters following his submission to the authorities escalated into massive violence, arson and looting. President Cyril Ramaphosa daubed the violence insurrection.
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