[imagesource: Phill Magakoe/Pool/AFP]

You’re not alone, Zapiro.

As soon as Jacob Zuma was sentenced, and then sent to Estcourt Correctional Centre, the words ‘medical parole’ were mentioned.

If it’s good enough for Schabir Shaik, right?

After what feels like decades of avoiding the repercussions of his crimes, it was entirely unsurprising when he exited prison last week for what the Department of Correctional Services labelled “routine observation“.

All of this was leading to the inevitable, the postponement of Zuma’s corruption trial, which has now been moved from this week to September 9 and 10.

That may also be pushed back, given that doctors treating Zuma have told the court that he suffered a traumatic injury in November last year.

TimesLIVE reports:

It had gone untreated because of his court appearances and incarceration and was now a life-threatening “medical emergency” which could take up to six months to be dealt with.

In submissions before [Pietermaritzburg high court Judge Piet] Koen on Tuesday during a virtual hearing, advocate Wim Trengove, for the state, said: “We are  completely in the dark as to the justification for the postponement regarding his condition.

“The doctor’s letter does not identify the medical condition at all, and it’s hard to understand how this medical crisis has been dragging on for 18 months.”

What remarkable timing for this “medical emergency” to come to light, just days before he was due to attend court in person.

Advocate Dali Mpofu, who has now completed the final sullying of his reputation by representing Zuma, said his client’s medical condition had worsened since he was placed in jail.

A doctor appointed by the state will assess Zuma’s condition, with both parties agreeing that a full medical report will be provided by August 20.

In response to the news, Zapiro’s The Daily Maverick cartoon was simply titled ‘Medical Mystery’:

My best guess isn’t fit for print.

It was a morale-boosting victory for the country when Zuma was put behind bars, but it’s proving to be very short-lived.

[sources:dailymav&timeslive]