Zuma’s corruption charges dismissed

A SOUTH AFRICAN judge threw out corruption charges against ruling party leader Jacob Zuma yesterday, clearing the way for him to become the country’s next president.

Judge Chris Nicholson granted Zuma’s application to have corruption charges dismissed, saying it was clear there had been political interference in the case, and ordered the state to pay the African National Congress (ANC) leader’s legal costs.

The ruling led to South Africa’s rand currency weakening slightly against the dollar as investors fretted that Zuma’s union and communist allies may push him away from pro-business policies if he becomes president.

Zuma’s supporters say he was the victim of a political witch-hunt by his rival, South African President Thabo Mbeki.

Nicholson said he was “not convinced that the applicant [Zuma] was incorrect when he averred political meddling in his prosecution”.

The judge referred to a “titanic political struggle” between Zuma and Mbeki and said two successive justice ministers had meddled in the prosecution.

Zuma told supporters outside the court the judge had said the prosecution was “a political wrangle”, against the constitution and unfair.

“This is a lesson that we should never keep quiet when those in power break the law. I think the judgment is a serious reflection to those who are given authority and do not use it appropriately,” said Zuma.

“Mbeki’s government will have suffered another blow from today’s ruling. Nicholson was scathing of the apparent political interference. Although there will be calls for Mbeki to resign, these will be ignored,” said Mike Davies, Middle East and Africa analyst at Eurasia Group.

Free of the legal case, Zuma is virtually guaranteed the presidency in 2009 elections because of the ANC’s dominance.