SOUTH AFRICA : Press reports last week stating that the National Prosecuting Authority is considering dropping corruption charges against ANC president, Jacob Zuma, has created media outrage both nationally and internationally.
State prosecutors are allegedly weighing whether to drop fraud, racketeering and money laundering charges against Zuma, a month ahead of the national elections expected to see him taking the helm at the Union Buildings. Liezl Maclean reports.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Tlali Tlali said there was no truth in the “rumour”. He however went on to add: “The decision has not been taken. The matter is under consideration.”
He further said the acting National Director of Public Prosecutions, Mokotedi Mpshe met senior management and the team responsible for prosecuting Zuma in Pretoria last week to consider the representations made by Zuma’s legal team.
“We have recently been supplied with additional information by Zuma’s lawyers which have necessitated further investigation, verification and careful consideration,” the NPA said.
According to the Mail & Guardian, Zuma’s legal team has given Mpshe what it believes are two strong reasons for dropping charges against the ANC president, both involving fresh ‘evidence’ of wrongdoing by former president Thabo Mbeki. NPA chief Mpshe is under intense pressure to drop the charges, but has not reached a decision.
Naturally opposition parties have reacted with fury to the prospect of letting Zuma off the hook, saying it would point to manipulation of the judiciary and tarnish South Africa’s reputation abroad.
DA leader Helen Zille has written to Mpshe, asking for permission to make representations to the NPA as it reviews its decision on whether or not to prosecute Zuma.
The charges against him (Zuma) were very serious and the type which, if he was to be found guilty of any of them, would suggest that such a person would not be a fit and proper person to head the national executive and be head of state, Zille said.
“It is the DA’s view that were Zuma’s prosecution to be discontinued for an illegitimate or unlawful reason, the constitutional values that the people of South Africa stand for would be seriously compromised.”
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