The state might appeal against former Western Cape premier Peter Marais’s recent acquittal on corruption charges, the Cape Argus reported on Tuesday.
Marais said on Monday his lawyer had told him he had been informed that Scorpions prosecutors had initiated the first step in a possible appeal against his acquittal.
Should the state win the right to appeal, this could legally tie up Marais for a further one to two years.
His marathon three-year trial on corruption charges related a R550-million Roodefontein golf-estate deal ended in October last year.
His co-accused, former provincial minister for planning and environment David Malatsi, was convicted on a charge of corruption and sentenced to five years in jail.
On Monday, Marais contended the state’s move was aimed at preventing him from suing for malicious prosecution.
He told the Cape Argus he was ”physically fine, but spiritually very disappointed about what’s taken place in my life”.
”I’m in a very sad mood at the moment,” the former premier said.
Scorpions spokesperson Lucinda Moonieya declined to comment. — Sapa