South Africa’s jailed former President Jacob Zuma has been admitted to hospital, less than a week before he is due in court on further charges of corruption.
The South African prison department said a routine examination at the jail in Kwa-Zulu Natal, where Mr Zuma is being held, prompted the authorities to take him to a hospital outside the prison for further observation.
As a former head of state Zuma was being treated at a military facility, the authorities said.
His foundation said it was an “annual medical routine check-up” and there was “no need to be alarmed… yet”.
Zuma has been serving a 15-month prison sentence since 7 July for contempt of court.
Next week, the former president is scheduled to appear in person in court on a separate issue – an arms deal corruption case.
He has pleaded not guilty to involvement in the $5bn (£3bn) deal.
More than 300 people were killed during violence and looting sparked by his arrest last month.
