On Friday, 11 August 2023, the government announced that former president Jacob Zuma was one of over 9,000 inmates jailed for non-violent offences whose prison sentences would be remitted.
In a recent development that has further intensified political tensions in South Africa, the Congress of the People (Cope) has leveled serious accusations against the African National Congress (ANC), alleging that the ruling party is protecting its members involved in criminal activities. The controversy stems from the special remission granted to former president Jacob Zuma, a move that has sparked debates about political influence over legal matters.
The decision to grant special remission to Jacob Zuma, who is currently serving a prison sentence for contempt of court, has raised eyebrows among various opposition parties, but none more vociferously than Cope. The opposition party has seized the opportunity to criticize the ANC, accusing it of manipulating the justice system to protect its own.
Cope spokesperson, Ms. Thandi Ngwabe, voiced the party’s concerns, stating, “The special remission given to Jacob Zuma is a blatant display of favoritism and undermines the credibility of our judicial system. This is just another example of the ANC using its power to shield its members from the consequences of their actions.”
While the ANC has defended the decision, asserting that the remission was based on established legal processes and not influenced by political considerations, critics remain skeptical. The timing of the remission, coinciding with heightened political tensions and ongoing investigations into corruption allegations involving ANC officials, has fueled suspicions of a hidden agenda.
Government announced that he was one of over 9,000 inmates jailed for non-violent offences whose prison sentences would be remitted.
Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola justified the move, saying it was aimed at addressing overcrowding at some correctional facilities.
But political parties are not buying the justification.
“For as long as the ANC is the governing party, no ANC leader will ever wear an orange uniform,” said Cope’s Dennis Bloem.
“This special remission to release Zuma is nothing else but preferential treatment.”
Action SA said the rule of law was rarely applied to those in power.
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