Jacob Zuma, the imprisoned former president of South Africa, underwent unspecified surgery on Sunday and remains in hospital, with further surgeries expected, according to jail officials.
There was no announcement on a possible release date for Zuma, who sought the country’s top court in July to overturn his incarceration, claiming it was unjust and that catching COVID-19 would kill him.
“Mr Zuma underwent a surgical procedure on Saturday, 14 August 2021, with other procedures scheduled for the coming days,” prison spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo said in a statement.
Following his hospitalization, a top court postponed his corruption trial until Sept. 9. Zuma’s medical condition is unknown, but the judge has ordered his legal team to deliver a medical report by Aug. 20.
There was no word on a potential discharge date for Zuma, who in July asked the country’s top court to reverse his incarceration, saying it was unjust and might kill him if he catches COVID-19.
Last week, a high court postponed his corruption trial to Sept. 9 after his hospitalization. It is unclear what medical condition ails Zuma and his legal team was ordered by the judge to produce a medical report by Aug. 20.
The prosecutors may appoint a doctor of their choice to assess whether Zuma is fit to stand trial.
Zuma, whose jailing last month ignited looting and unrest, faces charges with co-accused, French defense firm Thales (TCFP.PA), over a $2 billion arms deal corruption case that led to his sacking as South Africa’s deputy president in 2005.
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