Story highlights
Court says prosecutors acted "irrationally" drop charges against Jacob Zuma in 2009
More 700 corruption, fraud charges dropped against Zuma shortly before his election as President
The ruling marks another blow for Zuma and the ruling African National Congress
A South African court ruled Friday that prosecutors acted “irrationally” when they decided to drop more than 700 corruption and fraud charges against President Jacob Zuma in 2009.
“Mr. Zuma should face the charges as outlined in the indictment,” North Gauteng High Court Justice Aubrey Ledwaba said.
The court said the decision by the National Prosecuting Authority should be set aside and reviewed. But it remains up to prosecutors whether to reinstate the charges.
‘The rule of law still stands and no one is above it’
Zuma has always denied the charges. Reacting to Friday’s ruling, the President’s office said, “As a party to the proceedings, the President has noted the decision of the court and will give consideration to the judgement and its consequences and the remedies available in terms of our law.”
The Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party, had asked the court to review prosecutors’ decision to drop the charges.
“We are absolutely vindicated. All of us are equal citizens are under the law,” Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane told reporters. “This prosecution must continue. This victory says the rule of law still stands and no one is above it.”
Zuma had faced more than 700 charges linked to the 2005 conviction of his financial adviser, businessman Schabir Shaik, who was found guilty of corruption for payments made to Zuma and his family as well as the coordination of a bribe by a French arms company.
In April 2009, the National Prosecuting Authority dropped the charges against Zuma shortly before he was elected President. The head of the authority cited recordings that he said revealed abuse by the prosecution team, who allegedly manipulated the timing of the indictment to work against Zuma before the upcoming election.
Trouble mounting for Zuma
The ruling marks another blow for Zuma and the ruling African National Congress as South Africa eyes important local elections in August.
Last month, the Constitutional Court ruled Zuma had defied the South African Constitution when he used $15 million in state funds to upgrade his private home.
An effort to impeach Zuma this month following that court’s decision failed to get the necessary votes in Parliament.