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Zuma Faces New Corruption Charges

South African prosecutor says indictment is 'imminent'

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 20, 2007 7:03 AM CST
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(Newser) – The annual conference of the African National Congress isn't even over yet, and already newly elected leader Jacob Zuma is facing the prospect of new criminal charges. South Africa's head prosecutor said he has gathered enough evidence to charge Zuma with corruption linked to a 1999 arms deal, reports the Mail and Guardian. An aide is currently serving a 15-year sentence for soliciting bribes for Zuma.

Zuma supporters dismiss the allegations as part of a smear campaign by a police unit called the Scorpions, which is loyal to President Thabo Mbeki. The new Zuma-led ANC voted yesterday to disband the unit, although that decision is reserved for parliament. Zuma is expected to address the party tonight. Mbeki dismissed Zuma as deputy president in 2005 when Zuma faced separate corruption charges, which were later dismissed.

Former African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Jacob Zuma, second from right, reacts to being elected ANC president, after beating South African President Thabo Mbeki to lead the party, as newly elected ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, right, looks on, on the third day of the ANC conference in Polokwane,...
Former African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Jacob Zuma, second from right, reacts to being elected ANC president, after beating South African President Thabo Mbeki to lead the party, as newly...   (Associated Press)
A child sits beneath a poster of newly elected ANC leader Jacob Zuma in Polokwane, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. A crisis of expectations pitting proven economic policies against the need to uplift millions bedevilled by poverty, confronts Zuma, who rose to power on the backs of trade unionists,...
A child sits beneath a poster of newly elected ANC leader Jacob Zuma in Polokwane, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. A crisis of expectations pitting proven economic policies against the need to...   (Associated Press)
Former ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma reacts to being elected ANC president against South African President Thabo Mbeki to lead the party on the third day of the African National Congress conference in Polokwane, South Africa, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007. Zuma beat Mbeki with 2329 votes against 1505.(AP Photo/Jerome...
Former ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma reacts to being elected ANC president against South African President Thabo Mbeki to lead the party on the third day of the African National Congress conference...   (Associated Press)
Newly elected ANC President Jacob Zuma walks towards his car after having lunch on the site of the African National Congress conference in Polokwane, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Zuma defeated South African President Thabo Mbeki with 2329 votes against 1505 Tuesday.(AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Newly elected ANC President Jacob Zuma walks towards his car after having lunch on the site of the African National Congress conference in Polokwane, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Zuma defeated...   (Associated Press)
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bribe • corruption • South Africa • Thabo Mbeki • Jacob Zuma • African National Congress

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