Former South Africa President Jacob Zuma set for early prison release on medical parole

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma will be released from prison after serving only 2 months of his 15-month sentence for contempt of court, after he was found to be eligible for medical parole, the country's Department of Correctional Services said Sunday.

The big picture: Zuma has spent the last month in the hospital, where he has undergone surgery. The department did not specify the nature of his illness.

• The decision to grant parole followed a report received by the department about Zuma's medical state.

Catch up fast: The 79-year old was jailed in July for defying a court order to give evidence at an inquiry into allegations of high-level corruption during his time in office, per Reuters.

What they're saying: "Medical parole placement for Mr Zuma means that he will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections," the statement read. "[H]e must comply with a specific set of conditions and will be subjected to supervision until his sentence expires."

• "We want to reiterate that placement on medical parole is an option available to all sentenced offenders provided they meet all the requirements. We appeal to all South Africans to afford Zuma dignity as he continues to receive medical treatment."