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Corruption Charges Dropped Against S. Africa's Zuma

Accusations against likely next prez were political: prosecutors

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2009 7:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Corruption charges against South Africa’s likely next president, Jacob Zuma, have been dropped by prosecutors, the BBC reports. The head prosecutor said evidence from a tapped phone line proved that the 2007 charges, which were based on a 1999 arms deal, were politically motivated. Zuma, the head of the African National Congress, had been charged with graft, racketeering, and money-laundering.

“I have come to the difficult conclusion that it is neither possible nor desirable” for prosecutors “to continue with the prosecution of Mr Zuma,” said the chief prosecutor, after secret recordings captured prosecution officials planning to time the charges to cause political damage to Zuma. "It was pure abuse of process." Zuma has always held that the charges were politically motivated.

The Supreme Court of Appeal is shown Jan. 12, 2009. The Court overturned a lower court's decision to throw out the case against Zuma; charges have now been dropped.
The Supreme Court of Appeal is shown Jan. 12, 2009. The Court overturned a lower court's decision to throw out the case against Zuma; charges have now been dropped.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
African National Congress President Jacob Zuma speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 27, 2009.
African National Congress President Jacob Zuma speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
South Africa's ANC President Jacob Zuma dances at a ANC rally in Khayelitsha, South Africa, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009.
South Africa's ANC President Jacob Zuma dances at a ANC rally in Khayelitsha, South Africa, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
Zuma supporters gather outside a court in South Africa, Jan. 12, 2009, after a judge overturned a lower court's decision to throw out the case against Zuma; charges have now been dropped.
Zuma supporters gather outside a court in South Africa, Jan. 12, 2009, after a judge overturned a lower court's decision to throw out the case against Zuma; charges have now been dropped.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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Details from South Africa
Times (South Africa)

Prosecutor's statement (PDF)
Times (South Africa)

 
South Africa • Jacob Zuma • African National Congress • corruption charges

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