Zuma granted compassionate leave to attend brother's funeral
Former president Jacob Zuma's been granted compassionate leave from the Estcourt Correctional Centre to attend the funeral of his brother, Michael Zuma.
Zuma, who's serving a 15-month sentence, made an application to leave jail temporarily on Wednesday.
"As a short-term, low risk classified inmate, Mr Zuma’s application for compassionate leave was processed and approved following the Correctional Services prescripts," spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo said.
"This was dealt with in line with Section 44 (1)(a) of the Correctional Services Act."
READ: Zuma applies for compassionate leave to attend brother's funeral
The former president's younger sibling died last week after a long illness at the age of 77.
It’s understood he'll be laid to rest at his Nkandla home.
Nxumalo says the permission granted to Zuma is only for today.
"A sentenced offender who is granted permission to leave a correctional centre, remains a sentenced offender even while temporarily outside. The permission granted to Mr Zuma is for 22 July 2021.
"When outside a correctional facility, inmates need not to wear offender uniform."
