Zuma ruling: Presidency responds

2008-09-12 19:06

Johannesburg - The Presidency is not aware of any fact that may have led Judge Chris Nicholson to conclude that the executive interfered with the investigation into Jacob Zuma.

"The Presidency respects the principle of prosecutorial independence as defined in the Constitution and relevant legislation," said spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga in a statement.

He said it was "worth recalling" that neither the Presidency nor President Thabo Mbeki was party to these proceedings and did not have an opportunity to make representations to Nicholson.

"The Presidency wishes to reiterate its utmost respect for our constitutional institutions, including in particular the judiciary and its decisions."

Nicholson said in the Pietermaritzburg High Court: "I am... not convinced that the applicant [Zuma] was incorrect in averring political meddling in his prosecution."

Nicholson upheld the African National Congress president's assertion that he was entitled to make a representation before he was formally charged.

He agreed with Zuma that the case against him appeared to be part of a strategy linked to the rivalry between himself and Mbeki for leadership of the ANC.

He also said Mbeki's sacking of Zuma as deputy president was unfair and that the timing of Zuma's being recharged shortly after being elected president of the ANC in December 2007 was questionable.

- SAPA