United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa renewed calls for President Thabo Mbeki to break his silence over the furore surrounding Deputy President Jacob Zuma.
Addressing students at the University of the North-West in Mafikeng on Thursday, Holomisa said the African National Congress and Mbeki must realise that the interests of South Africa must come before the party and Zuma.
Public prosecutions head Bulelani Ngcuka announced last Saturday that Zuma would not be prosecuted over South Africa’s multibillion-rand arms deal despite indications that there may be a corruption case for him to answer to.
Allegations, which the deputy president has repeatedly rejected, are that Zuma tried to solicit a R500 000 bribe from Alain Thetard, the former Southern African head of French arms company Thomson CSF.
Holomisa said it appeared that Ngcuka would only prosecute Zuma once he stepped down as deputy president.
“Mr Zuma should be thankful towards Mr Ngcuka that he didn’t order his immediate arrest. It would have embarrassed the government, the ANC and the country as a whole,” he said.
He said Zuma should resign immediately.
“The more he attacks the Scorpions and the minister of justice the guiltier he looks.”
He cannot be allowed to continue to use the office of the deputy president as a platform from which to defend himself and attack his accusers, he said. — Sapa
ANC denies arms involvement