The corruption charges against Jacob Zuma of the ANC are related to a controversial multi-million dollar arms deal. One of Mr. Zuma’s advisors was charged and sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
Despite the charges, Mr. Zuma has denied any wrongdoing. He has been addressing the ANC for the first time ever since his victory over South Africa’s President, Thabo Mbeki over the party’s leadership.
Mr. Zuma has said to the ANC that he would work with Mr. Mbeki. He had defeated Mr. Mbeki on Tuesday in a contest that was fought to the bitter end.
According to BBC, the announcement made by the top prosecutor comes as a surprise to many people. Mokotedi Mpshe on South Africa’s 702 Talk Radio explained that the investigation was complete and that they’re tying up the lose ends.
Michael Hulley, the lawyer for Mr. Zuma said to Reuters that he had not been aware of any possible action being taken against the leader of the ANC.
“I can only speculate that the actions of the [acting head of the NPA] are fuelling and lending credence to the idea that state resources are being used against my client,” Mr. Hulley told Reuters.
Mr. Zuma was the deputy president. He was fired from his position after being implicated in a corruption trial. Schabir Shaik, his former financial adviser was convicted on charges of fraud and corruption.
While the case was withdrawn last year, new evidence has been gathered by the NPA. It has been expected for some time that there would be fresh charges against Mr. Zuma.
Mr. Zuma said he would step down from the leadership if he’s found guilty in court. His supporters called the investigation a conspiracy by the elite Scorpions police unit.