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Jacob Zuma admitted to hospital on Friday for ‘medical observation’

The former president’s scheduled court appearance on Tuesday now ‘all depends on what the doctors say’, according to Correctional Services.
Jacob Zuma admitted to hospital on Friday for ‘medical observation’ Former president Jacob Zuma in the dock at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. (Photo: Sandile Ndlovu)
Victoria O’Regan
By Victoria O’Regan
6 Aug 2021
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The Department of Correctional Services announced on Friday that former president Jacob Zuma has been admitted to a hospital outside the Estcourt Correctional Centre, where he has been serving a sentence for contempt of court. 

“A routine observation prompted that Mr Zuma be taken for in-hospitalisation,” it said in a statement.  He had been admitted for “medical observation”. 

The 79-year-old former president, who insisted it would be a violation of his right to a fair trial to have his plea heard virtually, is scheduled to appear in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday for a plea application in his Arms Deal corruption trial.  The court had ruled in his favour in his application for an in-person sitting.

The much-anticipated fraud and corruption trial has been nearly 20 years in the making.  

Read in Daily Maverick: Jacob Zuma gets his day in court as judge orders physical hearing

Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told Daily Maverick that Zuma’s scheduled court appearance “all depends on what the doctors say”.  “If the doctors discharge him before then and say he’s fit to go there, he will attend [the hearing]. The medical experts will provide guidance in terms of Tuesday,” he said.

The Jacob Zuma Foundation said in a statement via Twitter  on Friday that the former president was "attending to his annual medical routine check up".

In the  Correctional Services statement, it said that as a Former President, "the healthcare needs of Mr Zuma require the involvement of the South African Military Health Services. This been the case since his admission at Estcourt Correctional Centre." DM

Comments (10)

Mike Viljoen Aug 6, 2021, 06:58 PM

Let's motivate for a totally impartial medial assessment by professions appointed by the UN; and I would totally support us as taxpayers paying for their visit and assessment! That would be a worthwhile spend of taxpayers' money.

Leslie Stelfox Aug 6, 2021, 08:11 PM

This is a stalling tactic on the part of the RET gang to keep JZ out of court, and a strategy to get him out of prison!

lesley.young1945 Aug 6, 2021, 08:29 PM

Army doctors? Are they planning a military Coup? Why couldn't the army meds attend him in prison? He's less likely to get COVID-19 there.

ALAN PATERSON Aug 7, 2021, 07:52 AM

No, just another incomplete medical certificate in the offing.

Terry Reynolds Aug 7, 2021, 06:47 AM

Nothing trivial I hope.

Chris Branken Aug 7, 2021, 06:52 AM

Jacob, get well soon, we all hope you have a full recovery before Tuesday. We know you really want to be in court to clear your name

Jane Crankshaw Aug 8, 2021, 12:33 PM

LOL!!!!!

Sam Joubs Aug 7, 2021, 07:39 AM

Does "medical observation" include mental stability?

ALAN PATERSON Aug 7, 2021, 07:49 AM

Oh come on! Entirely predictable. Day in court? Inevitably will be delayed. Has this loathsome apology for a man been vaccinated? Presumably not, “medical reasons” will again be given. The delayed day then arrives? No, back in hospital. Covid? Other? Another half-baked medical certificate from his SADF medical “expert” (is there such an animal?) and he will then be released from his current sentence on grounds of “good behaviour.” Back to Nkandla for tea with Dali, Bheki, Julius, etc, etc, etc. Plus looking forward to his day in court. And, and, and.

Fanie Rajesh Ngabiso Aug 7, 2021, 09:15 AM

Can save the doctors time. Yes, definitely a narcissist.

Annalene Sadie Aug 7, 2021, 11:45 AM

This move is clearly meant to keep him out of court, but also has the purpose of giving ammunition to those comrades claiming that it is all a political plot against "president" Zuma.

Alan Mitchell Aug 8, 2021, 09:30 AM

Oh no ! He has bought a set of Ping clubs, he's got a date with Shabir ! Watch this space.