Zuma graft charges to be dropped

JOHANNESBURG, Sunday

South African prosecutors are expected to drop corruption charges against ruling ANC party leader Jacob Zuma, paving the way for him to become state president next month, the Sunday Independent newspaper reported.

Local media has been reporting that the National Prosecuting Authority could soon withdraw its case against Mr Zuma, citing evidence it says has emerged pointing to political interference in the matter.

Prosecutions boss

“The evidence in the possession of Mr Zuma’s legal team means acting prosecutions boss Mokotedi Mpshe is expected to bite the bullet and drop the charges against Zuma within days,” the Sunday Independent said, citing unnamed sources.

“Those close to the NPA are ‘very positive’ Mr Mpshe will make a decision after consulting his lieutenants on Monday,” the paper added.

Earlier this month, NPA spokesman Tlali Tlali told Reuters prosecutors were considering whether to drop the charges against Mr Zuma after he lodged a legal request.

Mr Tlali was not immediately reachable for comment on the Sunday Independent report.

A decision to drop the charges could boost the ANC’s campaign for elections on April 22, where it faces its greatest electoral challenge since apartheid ended in 1994, but is still expected to emerge the winner.

The breakaway Congress of the People (COPE) is, however, expected to reduce the ANC’s domination in parliament, in the face of growing public anger over corruption, poor services, poverty and crime.

A judge last month postponed Mr Zuma’s trial to August 25 -- several months after he is expected to become president.

Mr Zuma has denied wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a political conspiracy in the corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering charges, laid against him days after he defeated former South African President Thabo Mbeki to the ANC leadership. (Reuters)