SAHRC calls on Zuma supporters to remain calm amid parole appeal
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called
for calm amid threats of unrest by disgruntled pro-Zuma supporters.
This was after the High Court in Pretoria ordered the former president’s medical parole to be overturned.
The decision may see Zuma back at the Estcourt Prison in KZN if his bid to appeal the judgment isn’t in his favour.
SAHRC spokesperson Gushwell Brooks says the commission is concerned about posts on social media that may trigger disruptions, destruction to property and the loss of life.
These were scenes seen during the July unrest.
“The South African Human Rights Commission is of the view that former president Jacob Zuma does have legal options, he should exercise those options.
READ: Zuma to appeal medical parole ruling
“Ordinary people need to leave him to exercise those legal options and for us to stay away from retiring to the chaos that we saw in July,” says Brooks.
The country’s security cluster says it also plans to beef up law enforcement.
“It would be better to prevent the situation than to allow for it to boil over.
“Even during our preventative action, we have to uphold the human right so people and that is possible,” Brooks adds.
Zuma’s parole matter is yet to be ventilated before the Supreme Court of Appeals after the former statesman filed an application to challenge the judgement.
The Department of Correctional Services is also set to appeal the ruling.
