Zuma graft case dropped
- 00:01:28
- ITN
Zuma graft case dropped
Corruption charges against ANC leader Jacob Zuma are to be dropped by prosectors. South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority said the case against Mr Zuma had been "manipulated". Chief prosecutor Mokotedi Mpshe said the former head of the country's elite anti-crime unit had manipulated the legal system and cited "abuses of process" uncovered in taped conversations for the decision. The NPA said the case was now closed. "In light of the above, I have come to the difficult conclusion that it is neither possible, nor desirable for the NPA to continue with the prosecution of Mr Zuma," said Mr Mpshe. Mr Zuma's African National Congress is widely expected to win an April 22 election and choose him as president of Africa's biggest economy. Dropping the corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering charges ends a case that has dragged on for eight years and damaged Mr Zuma's credibility as a leader. The case has been closely followed by investors looking for political stability in Africa's biggest economy and has raised questions about the independence of South Africa's judiciary. Mr Mpshe called for an investigation into the abuses of process but said there was no conclusive evidence that former President Thabo Mbeki - Zuma's arch foe - was involved. Mr Zuma has said he has been the victim of a political conspiracy while his opponents have accused the ANC of back-room deals to clear his name.
ITN | April 6, 2009
