Penwell Dlamini

Penwell Dlamini

Prisoners' rights activist Golden Miles Bhudu turned out a surprise package during the Jacob Zuma celebrations.

Bhudu was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Wynberg magistrate's court last September for helping a dangerous prisoner escape.

He surprised people by appearing in his trademark garb in chains, with a Zuma poster. The last time people saw him or heard of him was when he was sent to jail seven years ago.

"The officials feared I would corrupt other prisoners so they expelled me from custody.

"I was released because I had been campaigning for Msholozi in prison. I was organising identity documents for the prisoners to vote," he said yesterday.

But it has since turned out that Bhudu has appealed his conviction and sentence and is out on R10000 bail.

He said he was in talks with the government to help him start crime prevention campaigns among the youth.

Bhudu was seen in Johannesburg on Monday celebrating the NPA's decision not to proceed with corruption charges against Zuma.