South Africa Allows Jailed Ex-President To Attend Brother's Funeral

Jacob Zuma, 79, jailed last month for contempt of court, serving 15 months in prison.

Prison authorities in South Africa on Thursday granted permission to jailed former President Jacob Zuma to attend the funeral of his younger brother.
"As a short-term, low risk classified inmate, Mr Zuma's application for compassionate leave was processed and approved following the correctional services prescripts," Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said in a statement.
Nxumalo said Zuma, 79, was will not wear prison uniform while attending the one-day burial ceremony he was granted permission for.
The former leader's brother Michael died days after he was jailed. Zuma was put in prison two weeks ago for contempt of court after he refused to attend a judicial commission of inquiry probing corruption during his nearly decade in power.
His incarceration sparked widespread riots that saw sporadic looting and destruction of property estimated to cost billions of dollars.
Thousands of demonstrators have been arrested for violent protests and looting.
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola told parliament's Justice Committee on Tuesday that some could face terrorism or related charges. -