SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa's ruling party President Jacob Zuma faces new graft process after ruling

Record ID: 455439

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa's ruling party President Jacob Zuma faces new graft process after ruling
  • Date: 12th January 2009
  • Summary: EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA (JANUARY 10, 2009) (REUTERS) JACOB ZUMA SPEAKING ON STAGE AT LAUNCH OF HIS PARTY'S ELECTION MANIFESTO SUPPORTERS CHEERING FOR ZUMA (SOUNDBITE) (English) AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (ANC) PRESIDENT, JACOB ZUMA SAYING: "Most importantly, the ANC will step up measures in the fight against corruption within its ranks and the state as part of the fight against crime. This will include measures to review the tendering system to ensure that ANC members in business, public servants and elected representatives do not abuse the state for corrupt practices." PEOPLE LISTENING TO ZUMA SPEAKING PEOPLE LISTENING TO ZUMA'S SPEECH VARIOUS OF ZUMA SINGING AND PERFORMING ON STAGE TO HIS TRADEMARK SONG, UMSHINI WAMI
  • Embargoed: 27th January 2009 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement
  • Reuters ID: LVA2A72J2RICDNLV5LC6LMEB413E
  • Story Text: South Africa's ANC leader Jacob Zuma faces a new graft trial after the country's appeals court overturned a judge's decision to dismiss graft charges against him, opening the way for prosecutors to put him on trial.
    South Africa's appeals court on Monday (jANUARY 12) overturned a judge's ruling dismissing graft charges against ruling ANC leader Jacob Zuma, opening the way for fresh corruption proceedings against him.
    The ruling comes only months before a general election and re-opening the case could damage Zuma's image at a crucial moment.
    The Supreme Court of Appeal said in its judgement that a High Court judge made several errors in a Sept. 12., 2008 ruling.
    The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it was pleased by the ruling.

    "The effect of this judgement means that Mr Zuma, at least, remains charged," NPA spokesman Tlali Tlali told reporters.
    Analysts said the decision increased political risk in Africa's biggest economy ahead of the general election, expected to be held around April.
    Monday's court ruling would be unlikely to stop Zuma being elected but could add to political uncertainty in South Africa and strengthen the challenge from a new party of ANC dissidents called COPE (Congress of the People).
    The ANC said in a statement that the ruling will not affect its decision to name Zuma as the party presidential candidate for the 2009 election.
    Zuma can still appeal to the appeals court ruling in the Constitutional Court -- South Africa's highest court.
    A High Court judge dismissed bribery, fraud and other charges against Zuma in September and suggested former President Thabo Mbeki had interfered in the case, an allegation he denied.
    That judgement caused a political firestorm, leading to the ousting of Mbeki as president and deeply dividing the party. An anti-Zuma faction then formed COPE.
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