Judge 'overstepped authority'

2009-01-12 10:29

Bloemfontein - South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal said on Monday a judge had "overstepped" his authority in a verdict that tossed out corruption charges against ruling party chief Jacob Zuma.

A lower court had thrown out the charges against Zuma on a technicality, ruling that he was entitled to make a statement to prosecutors before being charged.

The previous ruling also implied that political meddling had played a role in the prosecution - a claim that led the African National Congress to recall former president Thabo Mbeki.

But the Supreme Court said as it began to read out its verdict that the lower court had "overstepped the limits of its authority" by hinting at political interference in the case.

Judgment is continuing.

- AFP