Former South African president Jacob Zuma has been granted permission to attend the burial of his younger brother, Michael, who is set to be buried on Thursday afternoon.

“As a short-term, low risk classified inmate, Mr Zuma’s application for compassionate leave was processed and approved,” Correctional Services department spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said on Thursday.

Mr Nxumalo says Mr Zuma does not have to wear prison uniform while on the “compassionate leave”.

The former president is currently serving a 15-month sentence in prison for contempt of court.

His jailing sparked unrest in his home province KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng where hundreds have died and property destroyed.

[BBC]