Is Jacob Zuma on the run? DA demands answers on the latest fugitive from Justice

25 July 2023

It has become strikingly evident that former President Jacob Zuma has turned into a fugitive from justice after extending his stay in Russia. This trip undoubtedly serves as a response to the adverse Constitutional Court judgement which dismissed the Department of Correctional Services’ application for leave to appeal the Supreme Court of Appeal’s (SCA) ruling that Zuma must return to prison as his early release on medical parole was unlawful. In addition, Zuma is scheduled to face corruption charges on 15 August, adding further suspicion on his extended trip to Russia.

South Africa has been waiting for nearly two weeks for an announcement from the Department of Correctional Services on when Zuma must return to prison to serve out the remainder of his sentence. This silence is an indictment against the Department of Correctional Services, who must end their dithering and make an announcement without delay.

The DA believes a variety of pertinent questions need to be answered on the increasingly unjustifiable delay in the Department, clearly outlining when President Zuma will return to prison.

These include the following:

Was Zuma still under parole at the time of him leaving South Africa, given that finality from the courts on the legality of his release remained outstanding?

What were the conditions of Zuma’s medical parole and did this permit him to leave the country?

Is the Department concerned that Zuma is reportedly in Russia after the Constitutional Court confirmed that in law, he has not finished his sentence?

Is the Department taking any action to ensure that Zuma returns to South Africa to serve the remainder of his term as required?

Does the Department have any information relating to when Zuma will return to the country?

Why did the Department insist on appealing the ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal that Zuma’s release on medical parole was unlawful?

What was the cost to the Department in total, including the cost order awarded against them in this appeal?

Will the Department seek a warrant of arrest, should Zuma fail to return to South Africa to serve out the remainder of his sentence.

The DA once again urges the Commissioner to promptly announce Zuma's return to prison without further delay.

Issued by Janho Engelbrecht, DA Shadow Minister of Correctional Services, 25 July 2023