Former South African President Jacob Zuma will not be returning to prison, after the Department of Correctional Services granted him a remission of sentence. Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court in July 2021, but he was released on medical parole in September 2021.
The decision to grant Zuma a remission of sentence was made in accordance with section 84(2)(j) of the South African Constitution, which allows the president to grant remission of sentences in cases of overcrowding in prisons. The Department of Correctional Services said that Zuma was one of 9,488 prisoners who were granted a remission of sentence on Friday.
The decision to grant Zuma a remission of sentence has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have expressed anger and frustration, saying that Zuma is getting away with breaking the law. Others have said that the decision is fair, given the overcrowding in South African prisons.
Zuma's supporters have welcomed the decision, saying that it is a victory for justice. They have also accused the government of being politically motivated in its decision to pursue Zuma.
The decision to grant Zuma a remission of sentence is a significant development in the case. It remains to be seen whether Zuma will face any further legal consequences for his contempt of court conviction.
In addition to the overcrowding issue, there are also concerns about the precedent that this decision sets. Some people fear that it could embolden other criminals to flout the law, knowing that they may be granted a remission of sentence if they are eventually convicted.
Only time will tell what the long-term implications of this decision will be. However, it is clear that it is a controversial decision that has divided public opinion.