Zuma arrested

Former South African President Jacob Zuma sits in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg – Photo by Jerome Delay / POOL / AFP

Will Jacob Zuma be ARRESTED by the end of the week?

For the second time in 16 months, Jacob Zuma could be forcibly taken back to jail – and the DA are demanding a swift arrest.

Zuma arrested

Former South African President Jacob Zuma sits in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg – Photo by Jerome Delay / POOL / AFP

John Steenhuisen has issued an ultimatum to South Africa’s law enforcement officials. He is demanding that Jacob Zuma is arrested by 17:00 on Friday – and he’s set a 48-hour deadline for Correctional Services to confirm their intentions.

When will Jacob Zuma be arrested?

It was ruled yesterday that Msholozi would have to return to prison to complete a 15-month jail sentence, after he was irregularly granted medical parole. The DA leader, however, wants to see the verdict enacted as soon as possible:

“The DA has sent a lawyer’s letter to acting national Commissioner of Correctional Services, demanding that he confirms within 48 hours that he’ll ensure Jacob Zuma is returned by 17:00 on Friday 25 November to the Estcourt Correctional Centre to serve out the remainder of his sentence.”

“The DA’s legal letter points out that Mr. Zuma is obliged by order to immediately return to the Estcourt Correctional Centre and if he fails to do so within reasonable time, the Commissioner of Correctional Services must ensure he is returned – by arrest if necessary.” | John Steenhuisen

How JZ got himself in this position

The appeal was raised against a High Court decision setting aside a decision to release the former president on medical parole. Zuma’s lawyers argued that sending him back to jail would be tantamount to imposing a double sentence.

The Constitutional Court sentenced Zuma to 15 months imprisonment for being in contempt of court. This followed the former president breaching the apex court’s order for him to appear before the State Capture Commission after it summoned him.

Zuma was imprisoned at the Escourt Correctional Services Facility. He was expected to serve his 15 months behind bars – but didn’t. Zuma was released on medical parole by former Correctional Services commissioner Arthur Fraser.

This was under two months of Zuma in prison and went against the Medical Parole Advisory Board’s recommendation. Judge Elias Matojane stated that Zuma’s case needed the SCA’s attention.