Correctional Services has confirmed that it is considering an application by jailed former president Jacob Zuma to attend the funeral of his late brother, Michael.
Michael Zuma died last week following a long illness.
His funeral service is expected to take place in Nkandla on Thursday.
The former president is serving his 15-month sentence for contempt of court at the Estcourt Correctional Centre.
“We have confirmed that the former president has made an application for compassionate leave so we are currently considering that application, there is no time frame in terms of us considering it. But we will have to make that decision before the actual activity that the inmate ought to attend so the inmate needs to know whether his or her application has been approved or not,” says Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo.
Full interview with Nxumalo in the video below:
Zuma’s family says they are hopeful that his request to attend the funeral of his brother will be granted by Correctional Services.
The family says they have received no indication if Zuma will be allowed to attend the funeral.
Zuma’s son Edward says his father’s lawyers are handling his application for compassionate release to attend the funeral.
“As law abiding citizens we will have to wait for authorities but we have not been given any indication by any parties but will respect the parties whoever if ever there is a process. That process is ongoing but as a family we are just focusing on the preparation of the funeral but we do not know anything about that.”
Zuma’s family hopeful his request to attend brother’s funeral will be granted:
