Former South African president Jacob Zuma has been set free following the expiry of his prison sentence for contempt of court, the government department said on Friday.
Zuma received a 15-month sentence last year after he ignored instructions to participate in a corruption inquiry. Read full story
He handed himself in on July 7 last year to begin his sentence, triggering the worst violence South Africa had seen in years as his angry supporters took to the streets.
"It's OFFICIAL. H.E President Zuma is now a FREE man," the Jacob Zuma Foundation said in a tweet.
Zuma was released on medical parole in September 2021. But in December, the high court set aside the parole decision and ordered him to return to jail. Zuma appealed the ruling and remained on parole pending the appeal outcome. Read full story
His appeal had not been determined by the time his sentence expired.
"Mr Zuma complied with his conditions for medical parole as set out during his placement," the Correctional Services department said in a statement.
"All administrative processes have now been concluded and the sentence expiry date marks the end of him serving his sentence under community corrections."
Trump-Putin summit cancelled, FT reports
Houthis say 43 detained UN staff to face trial over Israeli attack
Hurricane Melissa leaves 49 dead in Caribbean, churns north
King Charles strips brother Andrew of titles and his mansion
Vietnam flood death toll rises to 13, with 11 others missing
US grants India six-month sanctions waiver to run Iran's Chabahar port
Trump cuts China tariffs to 47% after 'amazing' Xi meeting
Israel carries out new strikes in Gaza after asserting commitment to ceasefire
