S.Africa prosecutors to drop Zuma charges

Sun Apr 5, 2009 8:16am GMT

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JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African prosecutors will drop corruption charges against ruling ANC party leader Jacob Zuma, the local Sunday Times reported.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is due to announce the fate of Zuma, who is widely expected to become state president after South Africa's April 22 general election, at 0830 GMT on Monday.

Citing unnamed sources, the Sunday Times said: "Zuma is believed to have already been informed about the NPA's decision to withdraw the charges against him."

Zuma's lawyer was not immediately available for comment and ANC spokesmen were not reachable.

A decision to drop the charges would end a long legal battle that had raised doubts over Zuma's ability to govern Africa's biggest economy. He denies wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a political conspiracy.

The NPA charged Zuma with corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering on December 28, 2007, eight days after he won the ANC leadership by defeating then-President Thabo Mbeki.

A High Court judge dismissed the corruption charges but the decision was overturned by the appeals court in January.

<p>South African ruling party leader Jacob Zuma speaks during an interview with Reuters in his residence in Johannesburg March 27, 2009. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko</p>

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