Zuma is unlikely to see a prison cell soon

give meaningful answers at the state capture inquiry.

He spent one month in prison in July 2021, was moved to a prison hospital in August 2021 and released on medical parole in September 2021.

Zuma’s arrest sparked public violence, which spread from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng. The “failed insurgency” left more than 354 dead and the massive looting of shops and malls left thousands unemployed and cost the economy a reported R50bn.

Singabakho Nxumalo, the correctional services spokesperson, said the department will study the full judgment before announcing a way forward.

An appeal to the Constitutional Court will stall an immediate move on Zuma’s jail time.

DA leader John Steenhuisen, whose party took the parole matter to the high court together with lobby group AfriForum and the Helen Suzman Foundation, said prisons boss Thobakgale “should not be swayed by threats of a repeat of the July unrest.

“It is crucial now that [he] does the right thing. Zuma must be made to serve his sentence like any ordinary South African,” said Steenhuisen.

Political analyst Ongama Mtimka said: “The SCA’s decision reasserts the importance of rationality and due process and therefore protects the parole system from future abuse ... the legal loophole abused by Fraser in the act needs to be rectified.”

Political analyst Susan Booysen hoped the SCA decision and Zuma’s incarceration anew would not lead to deadly violence as in July 2021.

Within hours of the judgment on Monday, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal insisted Zuma “will not be returning to jail”, saying that he is “not required by law to return to prison” — despite the SCA ruling.

The ANC provincial secretary in KwaZulu-Natal, Bheki Mtolo, said Zuma represents “the triumph of the human spirit of perseverance” and “must be allowed to enjoy his freedom as an elder”.

DANGER

Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast said: “I do anticipate that there will be a threat that will be posed by his supporters, which will pose a danger to the stability of the country.”

But Lamb said any unrest following Monday’s ruling — which he thought was only probable if Zuma fails in the top court — is “unlikely to be as widespread as it was before, because the state is now more aware of the risk”.