The national commissioner of correctional services, Arthur Fraser, stands firm by his decision to release former president Jacob Zuma on medical parole.
Former President Jacob Zuma was admitted to hospital soon after his incarceration on 8 July.
The Department of Correctional Services says the decision to grant Zuma medical parole was informed by a medical report it had received.
“Section 75(7)(a) of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998, affords the National Commissioner a responsibility to place under correctional supervision or day parole, or grant parole or medical parole to a sentenced offender serving a sentence of incarceration for 24 months or less. The National Commissioner is also in terms of Section 52, empowered to prescribe conditions of parole,” reads the statement in part.
Zuma is serving a 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court after ignoring a Constitutional Court to appear before the State Capture Commission.
Fraser spoke in an interview with SABC News, adamant the Zuma’s parole is procedurally and legally sound and he dismissed allegations that he ignored the recommendations of the medical parole advisory board when he authorised Zuma’s release.
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“I know the noise and perceptions that were created that I was a Zuma person. We have a responsibility to provide security and care in all instances when a person is brought in our care. We ensure that we do a full assessment including a health assessment. I took the decision to place him on medical parole and unlike all the stories, it’s legal and procedural,” he told the SABC.
““Medical parole placement for Mr Zuma means that he will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections, whereby he must comply with specific set of conditions and will be subjected to supervision until his sentence expires.”
Bongi Sikelo 
Cece Smith 