The Democratic Alliance (DA) has saluted a decision made by the Constitutional Court on Thursday to dismiss an application by former President Jacob Zuma for leave to appeal a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment, which said former National Commissioner of Correctional Services Arthur Fraser’s decision to place Zuma on medical parole was unlawful.

News reports on Friday have revealed that Zuma is currently receiving medical care in Russia. 

The DA confirmed that its lawyers were currently drafting a letter which they would submit to the former President requesting him to surrender himself to arrest within a reasonable timeframe. 

Should he fail to adhere to the request, the party said it would also submit a letter to the National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Thobakgale calling for him to arrest Zuma and return him to the Estcourt Correctional Centre.

“Mr Zuma must now pay the consequences for his flagrant disregard for the rule of law. This judgment must now also serve as an important legal precedent ensuring that any and all ANC members and public representatives implicated in State capture cannot ever abuse the medical parole process to evade accountability,” said DA leader John Steenhuisen.

The party noted that the judgment epitomised the strength of the nation’s independent and impartial judiciary and illustrated its importance in fighting corruption. The DA woukd also continue to pursue a litany of charges levelled at the former President for fraud, corruption and racketeering.

“The judgment sends a strong message to corrupt ANC cadres that no amount of violence and unrest will deter South Africa’s institutions and authorities from upholding the principle of constitutionalism and the rule of law, and equality before the law,” Steenhuisen added.