South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma, who was jailed for contempt of the court last month, was admitted to a hospital outside the prison, confirmed the officials.
No reason was given by the department of correctional services for the hospitalisation on Friday, except that it was prompted by “a routine observation”.
The department added that ex-president Zuma’s healthcare required the involvement of the South African Military Health Service.
Zuma’s foundation confirmed that Zuma is admitted for his annual routine medical check-up.
The 79-year-old is due to attend the resumption of a long-running corruption trial in few days, on Aug 10.
The hearing will include a plea to drop charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering against him related to the 1999 purchase of European arms, including fighter jets, patrol boats and other equipment.
Zuma maintains that he is the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt by his opponents, and therefore, he pleads not guilty.
