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December 2, 2008 8:23:46 PM CST

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S. African Court Throws Out Zuma Graft Case

Posted Sep 12, 08 8:30 AM CDT in Crime & Courts,  World 

(Newser) – A South African court has thrown out a corruption case against Jacob Zuma, effectively clearing the way for him to become president next year. The judge ruled that the charges—including 12 counts of fraud, four of corruption, and one each of racketeering and money laundering—were invalid because he was not given the opportunity to respond before his indictment. He also said that Zuma seemed to be the victim of a political prosecution, reports the Mail & Guardian.

The case dropped today concerned a suspicious 1999 arms deal—for which Zuma has already faced other unsuccessful charges. His other brushes with the law include an accusation of rape, for which he was acquitted in 2006. Outside the courthouse in Pietermaritzburg, one rejoicing Zuma supporter said, "We came here to celebrate and we are going to celebrate. This exposed Thabo Mbeki and everybody who did this to him."

Sources Mail & Guardian (South Africa), BBC

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African National Congress President Jacob Zuma, prior to delivering his his speech at the University of Johannesburg, Tuesday, Sept, 9, 2008. A court dropped all charges against Zuma today.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
African National Congress President Jacob Zuma delivers his his speech at the University of Johannesburg, Tuesday, Sept, 9, 2008. A court dropped all charges against Zuma today.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma reacts as he arrives in Pietermaritzburg High Court, South Africa, Friday Sept. 12, 2008. All charges against Zuma were dropped today.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Jacob Zuma's supporters sing a and dance outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court, South Africa, Friday Sept. 12, 2008. The court dropped all charges against Zuma today.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
ANC President Jacob Zuma sings in front of supporters outside the court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008. The court dropped all charges against Zuma today.   (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
Supporters of ANC President Jacob Zuma shout slogans outside the court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
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It vindicates the position that we have taken of repeated violation of dignity and rights of Mr Zuma. - ANC spokesman on today's ruling

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fraud • South Africa • Thabo Mbeki • Jacob Zuma • African National Congress • corruption charges • arms deal


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