Judge throws out Zuma corruption charges

A South African judge ruled today that prosecutors were wrong to charge ANC President Jacob Zuma with corruption, effectively clearing way for the 66-year-old former freedom fighter to become the country’s next president.

Judge Chris Nicholson’s ruling included biting criticism of prosecutors and of political leaders all the way up to president Thabo Mbeki, saying there was reason to believe the decision to charge Mr Zuma was politically motivated.