CAPE TOWN – Jailed former South African President Jacob Zuma has undergone an unspecified operation and remains hospitalized with further surgeries planned, prison authorities said on Sunday.
Zuma, who is serving a 15-month sentence in Estcourt prison for contempt of court, was taken to hospital for observation on August 6, days before the start of a corruption trial in which he is accused. has so far escaped.
“Mr. Zuma underwent surgery on Saturday, August 14, 2021, and further surgeries are planned for the coming days,” prison spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo said in a statement.
There was no word on a possible release date for Zuma, who in July asked the nation’s highest court to overturn his incarceration, saying it was unfair and he could kill him if he catches Covid-19.
Last week, a Supreme Court postponed his corruption trial until September 9 following his hospitalization.
It is not known what medical condition Zuma is suffering from, and his legal team was ordered by the judge to file a medical report by August 20. Prosecutors can appoint a doctor of their choice to assess Zuma’s fitness for trial.
Zuma, whose imprisonment sparked looting and rioting last month, is accused with French defense firm Thales in a $2 billion corruption case that led to his 2005 sacking as vice president from South Africa.
Zuma and Thales have denied the allegations.
