Former leader of Democratic Alliance(DA) and the current Leader of the One South Africa Movement leader Mmusi Maimane has described the decision to place former president Jacob Zuma on medical parole as questionable, given the links between him (Zuma) and Arthur Frasier, who is currently the Department of Correctional Services’ National Commissioner.

The department confirmed on Sunday afternoon, 5 September 2021, that Zuma would be leaving prison and serve the remainder of his sentence at his Nkandla home. Not only will be have to comply with certain conditions, Zuma will also be under the supervision of Correctional Services.

Maimane is skeptical of the decision and is now seeking a full record as to how it was made.

“The full disclosure of reasons behind this decision is the most prudent way to address any concerns, contradictions and conspiracies. We cannot afford to go down the Jackie Selebi or Schabir Shaik path, whereby well-connected individuals are granted medical parole in dubious circumstances,” he said.

Press statement.

The nation deserves a thorough explanation on the decision to grant Zuma medical parole. pic.twitter.com/2dzJXogtcW

— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) September 5, 2021

Dumelang Bagaetsho. May our nation reflect our hopes not our fears. Let’s keep strong and build a tomorrow that prospers all citizens. May you have a productive day. God bless our beautiful nation

— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) September 6, 2021

Herer are Mmusi Maimane’s questions?

Mmusi Maimane now wants answers as to what lead to move, including:

• Who was on the decision-making panel
• What facts the panel were furnished with
• Whether there were any additional political considerations

Zuma was convicted by the Constitutional Court after he refused to appear before the State Capture Commission – a decision that was in violation of an order granted by the very same court.

The call being made by Maimane and his organisation, is similar to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) stance on the matter.

“I will be submitting an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) for the records of the Parole Board to establish what criteria the Department of Correctional Services used to determine Jacob Zuma’s eligibility for medical parole,” said DA leader John Steenhuisen.

“I will also request that the Justice and Correctional Services Committee summon Arthur Fraser to explain to Parliament his decision to grant this medical parole in direct contravention of the Correctional Matters Amendment Act”