SA reacts to ‘stolen’ photos of Zuma, as correctional services suspends official over leak
Former president Jacob Zuma's right to privacy was violated by the correctional services official who leaked pictures of him in prison.
This is according to social media users, who welcomed the suspension of the official by the department.
Zuma was admitted to start serving his 15-month sentence at the Estcourt Correctional Centre this week. On Thursday, pictures of him undergoing checks at the facility circulated online.
The snaps show Zuma in what appears to be a medical room with a correctional services official.
Department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told TimesLIVE the official who leaked the pictures was suspended pending an internal investigation.
“It has come to the attention of the department of correctional services (DCS) that images were stolen from a camera of the official who had been assigned to take photos for institutional filing purposes. The SD card was removed from the camera.
“The first aspect of the internal investigation thus far has revealed that this SD card may have clandestinely been shared with a known broadcaster. The department will be approaching the relevant institutions for further action.”
The Constitutional Court last week found Zuma guilty of contempt of court, for failing to testify at the state capture inquiry.
Here are some of the reactions to the leaked images:
No matter how much we dislike Zuma, we cannot celebrate the assault on his dignity with those leaked pictures. Every single one of us has the right to dignity
— Pali🌸 (@Palesa_Dwaba) July 8, 2021
Whoever leaked those pictures of Zuma should be jailed.
— Evode (@Evode7) July 8, 2021
With POPIA now in force, one wonders how the leaked pictures of Zuma processing by correctional services will be dealt with by the Information Regulator under the Act. @InforegulatorSA 👆🏽#ZumaArrest
— African Royalty🇿🇦🇧🇼🇿🇲🇩🇪🇮🇹🇺🇸🇿🇼🇲🇼 (@HatlaneBaloyi) July 8, 2021
No one is above the law yes, but President Gedleyihlekisa Zuma doesn't deserve such treatment. Even a serial killer will not be treated like this. And whoever leaked those photos should be arrested. This is not it. Someone is captured #FreeJacobZuma #ZumaArrest #ZumaJudgment pic.twitter.com/FrEebsTWux
— 📀Eton Shonhiwa (@Elton_Shonhiwa) July 9, 2021
Same concern people had, if they can’t safeguard their own camera, how will they keep him safe?
— Sim Bone (@meshkah) July 8, 2021