Print

Mail

wiki links

S African authorities to charge Jacob Zuma

A child sits beneath a poster of newly elected ANC leader Jacob Zuma in Polokwane, South Africa, on Wednesday. PHOTO: AP

There is enough evidence to charge newly elected ANC leader Jacob Zuma with corruption, the head of South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority said yesterday.

"We have enough of a case to bring to court," acting director of public prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe told private 702 Talk Radio.

Asked whether charges would be filed soon, Mpshe replied: "Yes, that's my impression."

Zuma was elected head of the ruling African National Congress on Tuesday night, defeating his arch rival South African President Thabo Mbeki.

Zuma's financial advisor is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of soliciting bribes on behalf of the new ANC leader.

Initial corruption charges against Zuma were dropped last September when a judge threw them out of court after it emerged the state did not have enough evidence to charge Zuma.

Mpshe told 702 he realized Zuma's supporters would view his announcement as part of a "conspiracy" they claim is being waged against him.

New ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa told the radio station the cloud hanging over Zuma's head was "a cloud manipulated by the Scorpions" police unit, which he referred to as a "hit squad."

ANC members decided on Wednesday night that the elite-crime fighting arm of the NPA should be disbanded.

Mpshe however denied that the ruling party had the authority to scrap the unit, saying "the Scorpions is not a branch of the ANC."

Phosa, a Zuma ally, criticized Mphse for speaking out on the case.
This story has been viewed 839 times.