Former South African President Jacob Zuma's potential return to jail has sent shockwaves through the country, with reports of possible unrest and instability if he is incarcerated once again.
Sources say that business people in Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal are living in fear of a repeat of the violent unrest that occurred in 2021 when more than 300 people were killed in the two provinces and the economy suffered immensely.
This follows the Constitutional Court's recent dismissal of a bid to overturn the Supreme Court of Appeal's ruling on Zuma's release on medical parole. The Correctional Services Commissioner is now tasked with determining whether Zuma will go back to jail or not.
Speaking at Operation Shanela, Police Minister Bheki Cele said they are preparing for any eventuality, awaiting the decision of the acting national commissioner of Correctional Services. "We are getting ready for whatever eventualities which could be to say they take him back to prison or he has finished his sentence. It's up to them," said Cele.
Political analyst Professor Sethulego Matebesi expressed his concerns about the situation, stating that while Zuma made a significant contribution to South Africa, the rule of law must be upheld. "The fact of the matter is if South Africa has to uphold the rule of law, then it has to apply to everyone irrespective of who that particular person is," said Matebesi.
Meanwhile, the JGZ Foundation has refuted claims that Zuma has fled to Moscow, Russia, following the judgment. The foundation confirmed that Zuma traveled to Russia last week for health reasons and that he will be returning to the country once his doctors have completed their treatment.
It remains to be seen what will happen to Zuma, but it is clear that tensions are high, and the country is bracing for a potential crisis.
