Former S. African President Zuma taken into custody

Johannesburg, South Africa | Xinhua | Former South African President Jacob Zuma was taken into custody on Wednesday night.

South African Police Service national spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo confirmed the news to Xinhua after midnight on Wednesday.

“He’s been taken to custody well ahead of the deadline,” Naidoo said. “He will be handed over to a correctional facility as we speak now.”

The Jacob G Zuma Foundation on Twitter also confirmed the news.

“Please be advised that President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order. He is on his way to hand himself into a Correctional Services Facility in KZN.” It is said a full statement will be issued later.

The Constitutional Court last week found Zuma guilty of contempt of court, in relation to an order to appear before the State Capture Inquiry. The apex court sentenced him to 15 months in jail.

The highest court said Zuma should hand himself to the police to begin his prison sentence within five days or Police Minister Bheki Cele should within three days take all the necessary steps to make sure he was delivered to a correctional center.

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Xinhua