NPA 'pleased' with Zuma appeals

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Thursday expressed its satisfaction after it won all its appeals in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in its legal battle with African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Jacob Zuma.

NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali welcomed the decisions of the court.

“We are very pleased and we welcome the decision of the Supreme Court of Appeal in the matter.

“It brings certainty and finality at least up to this point on the contested issues.”

The court ruling on Thursday could allow the revival of corruption charges against Zuma, widely considered a candidate to lead the ANC.

Speaking to the media in Bloemfontein, Tlali said the NPA would now study the documents.

State prosecutor Billy Downer, who was also in court in Bloemfontein, repeatedly said “Pleased. Not commenting any further”, when leaving court.

He referred all comment to Tlali as the state still had “a pending investigation” against Zuma.

Tlali could not say if the NPA was ready to prosecute Zuma further.

“This is one of the major hurdles that we have thus far overcome; that means that we are on course and all processes will unfold -‒ and as soon as we are ready, we’ll pronounce on a further course of action.”

Tlali said a time frame for a decision could not be given.

Political conspiracy

The SCA upheld an appeal by prosecutors against a lower court ruling that prevented them from using documents seized from Zuma, who was accused of bribery and fraud in connection with the arms deal, and his lawyer.

The ANC is due to elect a new leader next month. President Thabo Mbeki, who fired Zuma in 2005, has hinted he will run for a third term as ANC leader despite opposition from some ANC members and leftist allies.

Supporters of Zuma have described the corruption investigation against him as a political conspiracy to prevent him from winning the ANC leadership and ultimately the presidency of the country.

His corruption case was thrown out of court last year on procedural matters, but the state had vowed to continue investigating the matter and had fought to get documents seized from houses belonging to Zuma and his lawyer into court.

A Durban High Court judge ruled in 2006 that documents obtained during the raids could not be used by prosecutors because the search warrants used by police were illegal. - Sapa, Reuters, Mail & Guardian Online reporter