Former president Zuma undergoes surgery, to remain in hospital
The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed former president Jacob Zuma will remain in hospital after undergoing surgery on Saturday.
The former president was admitted to hospital about two weeks ago for a routine check-up.
He is serving a 15-month sentence at Estcourt Correctional Centre after he was convicted of contempt of court.
Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services Singabakho Nxumalo says the department is unable to say when he will be discharged.
"Mr Zuma underwent a surgical procedure on Saturday, with other procedures scheduled for the coming days. As a result, DCS is unable to predict a discharge date as our priority at this stage is for Mr Zuma to be afforded the best care possible.”
Nxumalo says government has a duty to care for the former president.
"As inmates are placed in correctional centres involuntarily, the state has a total and inescapable responsibility and duty to care for them in a manner that does not violate or compromise their constitutional rights, which include access to healthcare.
“We appeal to all people to refrain from speculating on the health of Mr Zuma and allow medical practitioners space to continue providing quality healthcare to him.”
