Jacob Zuma rescission

Photo by Emmanuel Croset / AFP

It will take six months to treat Zuma as his life is at ‘significant risk’

Former president Jacob Zuma reportedly suffered a “traumatic injury” late last year and now needs “extensive emergency treatment”.

Jacob Zuma rescission

Photo by Emmanuel Croset / AFP

Former president Jacob Zuma reportedly suffered a “traumatic injury” late last year and now needs “extensive emergency treatment”. 

IT WILL TAKE SIX MONTHS TO RESTORE ZUMA’S HEALTH

A high-level military doctor has reportedly told prison and prosecuting authorities that it will take six months of care to restore Zuma’s health.

According to the media report prosecutor Billy Downer has made it clear that the State isn’t satisfied with the “vague generalities” contained in Brigadier General Dr Mcebisi Zukile Mdutywa’s submissions, which could have major implications for the future of the Zuma corruption trial.

“He is undergoing extensive medical evaluation and care as a result of his condition that needed an extensive emergency procedure that has been delayed for 18 months due to compounding legal matters and recent incarceration and cannot be delayed any further as it carries a significant risk to his life,” Mdutywa reportedly wrote.

“The medical team is actively monitoring his progress and will inform you soon as to the prognosis and outcome thereof through a medical report.”

ALSO READ: Court-ordered: Zuma’s team need to produce a medical report

The Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday ordered that former president Jacob Zuma’s team need to produce a medical report by no later than 20 August 2021.

Zuma, whose jailing last month on a separate contempt of court matter led to a wave of looting and unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

He was expected to appear in court on Tuesday but the long-delayed corruption trial against Zuma was once again postponed to September 9 following his hospitalisation last week.

The court further said it is directed that the State may appoint a medical practitioner of its choice to examine Zuma and if necessary, to give evidence as to his fitness to attend court and stand trial.

There is still no information available about his ‘medical condition.’