Zuma takes battle to Constitutional Court

African National Congress deputy president Jacob Zuma on Wednesday applied to the Constitutional Court for permission to challenge aspects of the investigation against him by the national director of public prosecution (NDPP).

With two weeks to go until the ANC conference, at which he may be elected president of the party, Zuma plans to challenge the issuing of a letter of request secured by the NDPP to get documents related to the investigation released from Mauritius.

In papers lodged at the court, it is argued that aspects of the investigation infringed on his right to dignity and his right to a fair trial.

The deadline for the NDPP to say whether it intends opposing the application is December 20, when the ANC conference will be in its final hours.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Appeal upheld an appeal by prosecutors against a lower court ruling that prevented them from using documents seized from Zuma and his lawyer.

ANC conference

Meanwhile, prominent businessman Tokyo Sexwale, seen as a possible ANC presidential candidate, said on Wednesday that Zuma was likely to win the contest to lead the ruling party.

He also denied in a radio interview media reports that he had offered to fund Zuma’s campaign.

“The way I see it, Jacob Zuma may come out the winner,” he told SAfm.

“When you look at the numbers, when you look at the trend, that’s why we talk about indications, the trend is that Jacob Zuma is likely to win this presidency.”

Sexwale did not rule himself out of the campaign but acknowledged that Zuma was significantly ahead.

“I will consider whether I want to make myself available,” he said, adding it was not too late to compete.

ANC deputy president Zuma is leading incumbent party and national President Thabo Mbeki ahead of the ANC conference in Polokwane next month that will choose new leaders.

In voting this weekend, Zuma won nominations from five of nine provinces, as well as support from the ANC Youth League and the Women’s League, dealing a major blow to Mbeki’s hopes to win a third term as party leader.—Sapa, Reuters