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NPA drops charges against Zuma

2009-04-06 11:41

Pretoria - The National Prosecuting Authority has decided to drop corruption charges against Jacob Zuma, boosting the ANC president two weeks ahead of the elections.

The decision by the NPA came after weeks of speculation about the prosecution of Zuma, eight years into the case.

The announcement was made at a media conference held at the NPA's offices in Pretoria.

Acting NPA head Mokotedi Mpshe said the decision was one of the most difficult he has ever had to make.

Mpshe said tape recordings showed evidence of political interference and abuse of power by former Scorpions boss Leonard McCarthy.

"Using one's sense of justice and propriety as a yardstick by which McCarthy's abuse of the process is measured, an intolerable abuse has occurred which compels a discontinuation of the prosecution.

"In the light of the above, I have come to the difficult conclusion that it is neither possible nor desirable for the NPA to continue with the prosecution of Mr Zuma.

"It is a difficult decision because the NPA has expended considerable resources on this matter, and it has been conducted by a committed and dedicated team of prosecutors and investigators who have handled a difficult case with utmost professionalism and who have not been implicated in any misconduct," he said.

- News24


Anonymous 4/6/2009 11:45:14 AM
Sad day for the justice system in South Africa

Leanne 4/6/2009 11:45:47 AM
That is all there is to say. They are cowards. NPA is just as corrupt as the ANC. There must be some proof of Zuma being guilty otherwise the judges would have thrown his case out of court ages ago.

BBC 4/6/2009 11:46:01 AM
VIVA J Z VIVA,

Zuma 4/6/2009 11:46:04 AM
I can hear South Africa being flushed down the toilet, gssshhhhh

jka 4/6/2009 11:46:27 AM
How does evidence of interference in the process exonerate Zuma? It does not...

ML 4/6/2009 11:46:40 AM
Viva Zuma,Mbeki must go to jail,those who do not want Zuma as president must start packing now

Love Africa 4/6/2009 11:46:56 AM
They must charge the others seperatly. Another sad day in Africa's history.

Disgusted 4/6/2009 11:46:59 AM
Let's all bow down to the high and migthy Zuma. Here comes the next Zimbabwe. It's people like Zuma / Hitler / Mogabe that runs countries down the drain. They have so much power that they can do just as they please. Nothing good will come of this!

Anon 4/6/2009 11:47:05 AM
So millions of the tax payers money has been wasted and he still manages to walk free. What is this country coming to? Even the law system is failing.

Nicole 4/6/2009 11:47:07 AM
Are any of us surprised? Zuma's political interference apparently runs deeper than we imagined, welcome SA's Mugabe - untouchable and above the law. Disgusting and shameful.

howard 4/6/2009 11:47:08 AM
well that was expected, it just proves we now live in a lawless society

Phinah 4/6/2009 11:47:36 AM
OH YA! Now lets hear the tapes?

Kamph 4/6/2009 11:47:42 AM
What a joke. Leonard McCarthy should then be given the death penalty!

Thapelo C 4/6/2009 11:47:42 AM
i knew that already.All I can do is live with it....I don't know what happended to our constitution.....SAD DAY...

Terry 4/6/2009 11:47:55 AM
Yet again the Gang of Thieves (ANC - Arrogant, Non-Delivering, Corrupt) close ranks to prevent their incompetence and corruption from being exposed in an open court - but then again.... did anyone expect any other outcome?

rich 4/6/2009 11:48:05 AM
Now they can go and prosecute Leonard McCarthy and TM and his government, oh wait, thats the ANC!!!

Robyn 4/6/2009 11:48:09 AM
I cant say I cant believe this, cos we all knew it was gna happen, but its still very saddening! However, to all you sheep out there, this doesnt mean that he is innocent, it just means that he can be prosecuted. I still believe that he is 100% guilty!

Alan2 4/6/2009 11:48:09 AM
He already admitted his guilt by saying others got more than him.... the rule of law in this country has just been smashed... now if you have the connections you can get away with anything.

Dawg 4/6/2009 11:48:11 AM
A very sad day for 'justice' in SOUTH AFRICA. Now all others can relate a quote this verdict in any other court cases since the president has been set. :(

Fritz 4/6/2009 11:48:35 AM
As if there were any doubt that he was going to walk, this is just insane, we might as well start waving goodbye to SA as we know it...

Jez 4/6/2009 11:48:42 AM
That's a surprise!!!

kmk 4/6/2009 11:48:44 AM
I hate to say it but I told you.

André 4/6/2009 11:48:45 AM
Yeah, sure. We can't we just be honest and say what's is real. Most of South Africa will vote for anyway, they've said so before. They don't mind. So just say so.

HK 4/6/2009 11:48:47 AM
Well, we all knew it was coming...so much for "I want my day in court". Well done to the ANC for manipulating the law once again!

Andrew Bright 4/6/2009 11:48:50 AM
Here we go again! When will the political interference ever end. Once again the authorities are forced to bow due to political pressure.

Bandile 4/6/2009 11:48:51 AM
This is justice!

Jack 4/6/2009 11:49:02 AM
This is a very sad day in the history of our country. The stench of corruption and dishonesty will still hang over Zuma's head, in spite of this announcement.

Larry 4/6/2009 11:49:11 AM
It is an insult to the intelligence of the ordinary South African, to have to accept this farce. Now I think we have heard everything. Our Carpet must be well of the floor, with all the dirt that has been swept under it.

NT 4/6/2009 11:49:22 AM
Surprise, surprise!!

Chantal 4/6/2009 11:49:37 AM
Yeah, like I didn't see that one coming

LSG 4/6/2009 11:49:42 AM
I have always said that JZ case would be Won on Technicalities not on tried and tested evidence.

Sigh 4/6/2009 11:49:45 AM
Show of hands: Who is surprised?

Careful 4/6/2009 11:49:48 AM
it really pains me to know that the ANC managed to pull this trick, what i find rather strange is why is JZ legal team not prosecuted for the abuse of power, how on earth did they get hold of the recordings? JZ is a dirty player he wants to be president at all cost, really sad

p*ssed off 4/6/2009 11:49:56 AM
This country is about to be flushed further down the toilet!! Well done NPA and well done to Mr Showerhead now you can carry on with the lawlessness, fraud, corruption and raping women with gay abandon and with NO consequence. I have NO faith in South Africa's legal system and I'm sick and tired of having the criminals protected and innocent people paying the price!!! No wonder the rest of the world laughs at us - this country is a JOKE!

Bigbatman 4/6/2009 11:50:04 AM
PATHETIC. PATHETIC. So much for democracy. I am a very unhappy South African.

Mufasa 4/6/2009 11:50:09 AM
Oh well, is this any real surprise? As usual, corruption triumphs in our wonderful banana republic...

Dee 4/6/2009 11:50:09 AM
Are we surprised - no. Are we disappointed that the justice system just sold us down the river - deeply. It's the price you pay for living in a virtual one party state - no matter how good the weather is on this fair continent.

Francois 4/6/2009 11:50:13 AM
this country will never know true democracy, EVER.

What a disgrace 4/6/2009 11:50:13 AM
When I still had hope that teh Judiciary was independant. Let them elect Zuma-and watch the dawn of a mini Zimbabwe........

Concerned 4/6/2009 11:50:16 AM
There needs to be transparency in this matter - they must disclose everything to back their decision.

Ryan 4/6/2009 11:50:17 AM
This is honestly ridiculous.I love the fact that Mokotedi Mpshe, who dropped the charges is actually an ANC member!ha ha it is actually sickening and SA is really the laughing stock of the world.I feel ashamed being South African!I wish things would go back to the old days

Andrew 4/6/2009 11:50:27 AM
That stinks !!

jen 4/6/2009 11:50:28 AM
I still do not like him, and I still do not trust him, and I still do not think he should be president. Evidence of political interference should have been even more reason for the case to have gone ahead. Some animals are most certainly more equal than others.

unsurprised 4/6/2009 11:50:28 AM
I'm thankful that Zuma is finally off. It just confirms for me that our judicial system is a farce. Lawlessness can now thrive as the highest office in the land is now deemed unaccountable for its/his actions. Should I now no longer pay taxes? What about speeding and paying fines? How can I now take the judicial system seriously when it fails so miserably.

WP 4/6/2009 11:50:33 AM
And yet again, corruption comes out tops! Viva. It is a sad day in the history of South-Africa - wonder what the rest of the world must think of this circus.

AntiANC 4/6/2009 11:50:34 AM
Yip, just shows you our countries judicial system has gone for the dogs - Time to jump this sinking ship

Omar Gosh 4/6/2009 11:50:35 AM
A very sad day for Africa, every south african citizen should now go "shopping" today and all walk out the shops with something we did not pay for and we ALL must go off scot free. If only ..... only JZ can pull that one off.

Ano Nymous 4/6/2009 11:50:41 AM
Alleged political interference is irrelevant. Is there compelling evidence of wrongdoing on Mr. Zuma's part? Over the next 4 years overseas' head of state will always wonder when reluctantly shaking Zuma's hand...

Div 4/6/2009 11:50:44 AM
What is the international community going to think of us - we have a bunch of clowns leading this country!!!

Peter Malema 4/6/2009 11:50:51 AM
He will always stay guilty till proven innocent. He is corrupt and afraid to go to court as he know that he will be sentenced. I have no respect for him or his corrupt government.

Kurt 4/6/2009 11:50:56 AM
This definately a case of "All are equal, just some are more equal than others"!!

chap 4/6/2009 11:51:00 AM
oh my soul. There goes all the ground the Rand has made up. What really burns me is how hard this country had to fight to end up with 1 set of laws for everyone, and now we're back to 1 set for the rich and another for the poor. Pathetic.

DON 4/6/2009 11:51:04 AM
South Africa is in Africa after all.......Zuma is coming to power and he is already using it!

caroline molobi 4/6/2009 11:51:12 AM
there was no other way except dropping the charges.other wise there was going to be the third world war in SA. I think that was the good secision even if it wasn't my wish.

Weet nie meer nie 4/6/2009 11:51:21 AM
Its a sad day to a beautiful country! That law and order are also clouded by a comunist party rule! This clearly shows that the ANC dont give a damn about the laws and do what they want and influance who they want (by force or bribery) they dont care. Maybe one day the drunk captain (anc) of this country will wake up and realize he's sailing a mine field.

"independant judiciary" 4/6/2009 11:51:31 AM
disgusting

Smanga Zulu 4/6/2009 11:51:33 AM
In all fairness, Zuma has been grossly violated and has been raped by the NPA!

Maggie 4/6/2009 11:51:43 AM
well suprise, suprise!!!!!

jhs 4/6/2009 11:51:56 AM
It was proven and found to exist in the high and appeal court.Has it disappeared all of a sudden?

Taxpayer 4/6/2009 11:51:58 AM
Billy Downer and his team should immediately be brought to book for wasting taxpayers money. They should be charged for corruption and misappropriation. What a waste of resources. The government should immediately pardon Shabir Shaik and apologise to him. Clearly if the corruptee is innocent the corruptor must also be innocent.

Gary 4/6/2009 11:51:58 AM
Huge expenses incurred at the tax payers expense once again. Seems McCarthy is the scapegoat. Now Mr Zuma, this is your time in history. Do not dissapoint us or I will personally come and kick your butt. South Africans have had to swallow a lot of political mumbo jumbo and pussy footing so that you can have your day in church. Dont mess up! Thats all I have to say about the matter .. moving on.

TJ 4/6/2009 11:52:02 AM
SA now the laughing stock of the world!

MR ALLIE 4/6/2009 11:52:03 AM
THE NPA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN INDEPENDANT ORGANIZATION,WHATS SO INDEPENDANT ABOUT THEM IF THEY ARE STRONG ARMED BUY POLITICIANS.

Gerhard 4/6/2009 11:52:09 AM
Well, it is official. We are now a Banana Republic...

Mxolisi Selby Shabangu 4/6/2009 11:52:16 AM
Its over, lets get on with life, this chapter has been closed South Africans whether we like it or not

M 4/6/2009 11:52:23 AM
SA will get the leader it deserves!!!!

Alex 4/6/2009 11:52:23 AM
Oh well! Typical, Money talks and the rest walks! Enjoy ZUMA!

Siegfriedt 4/6/2009 11:52:26 AM
What a sad day in South Africa, or must i say, a very sad day in Zimbabwe............ Use the scorpions as the escape goat... a very sad day indeed......

pawpaw 4/6/2009 11:52:35 AM
What a scandal for this country's democracy , we are a fully banana republic

Ulaka 4/6/2009 11:52:39 AM
Crime obviously pays! Let this be known as the date that the rot started. I have zero respect for 3 quarters of South Africas population now. Unity? what unity? This event has put South Africa back to the darkl ages. Watch now as the Rand plummets and international countries take advantage of us all over again. sad sad day. There is no justice in the world. Im blaming the ANC supporters for this.

Revolted 4/6/2009 11:52:47 AM
May the entire world state it's disgust with this decision. Doom on you NPA.

Peter 4/6/2009 11:52:50 AM
This outcome should have been expected,another waste of tax payers money. Why only now after 8 years does this recording come to light? Not exactly a low profile case.

Craig 4/6/2009 11:52:55 AM
A judge says no political interference on the appeal of the NPA, now the NPA says their own boss was involved in political interference!! Sound like a Mugabe type cover-up and political inteference. Time to find somewhere else to live whilst this lot destroys what Mandela, and those that fought in the struggle died for. Shame on you ANC, you are now justifying all the reasons why the 'white apartheid' government said you shouldn't be allowed to vote let alone rule this country!!!

anonymous 4/6/2009 11:53:03 AM
So... do we we have to call him "Mr. President" now, or would "lucky bastard that bypassed the criminal justice system" suffice? This is an utter mockery of our supposed "justice" system and "democracy".

Spyti K 4/6/2009 11:53:07 AM
What a travesty of justice this is! The acting head has used his own sense of justice and propriety to drop the charges, not to mention that he is obviously biased in favor of dropping the charges as it is the president who appoints the head of the NPA. The Supreme Court of Appeal found the case to be viable, so who is he to say that it is not. Reveal the tapes and their political conspirators and let them stand trial for their own actions!

Graeme 4/6/2009 11:53:11 AM
I cant say I am not surprised , I knew this was coming, I have lost all faith in the law in this country. Crime pays and now its in charge!

Mo 4/6/2009 11:53:21 AM
we are now officially a banana republic.

andre 4/6/2009 11:53:33 AM
Nice one, a criminal is going to rule this country. Take a bow NPA. I cant believe this... after all of this the masses are still going to vote for this man.

settie 4/6/2009 11:53:33 AM
This is the beginning.Well don JZ for managing to manipulate the NPA, we are waiting for more destruction!!

kels 4/6/2009 11:53:37 AM
I cant beleive this. Its a traversty of justice. talk about positical inteference. If anyone has seen Frost VS nixon, this reminds me of a line in the movie. "if the president does it, its not illegal" What next? will we be the next ZIm!!

Gary 4/6/2009 11:53:37 AM
and it continues, more crime, more death, more poverty for the people of South Africa, more money, more houses and car's, more wealth for JZ and the boys..

John Smith 4/6/2009 11:53:40 AM
With everything out of the way now, JZ and the ANC can continue to rape the hell out of SA for thier own purposes without any regard for rule of law. Convicted Felon ? Come on down as an MP Defraud the government ? No worries, swept under the carpet. The blatant abuse of power at the cost of the electorate is appalling. When did politicians stop being accountable ? MY hard work and tax contributions feed these bastards... Shameful, utterly shameful...

Told you so 4/6/2009 11:53:41 AM
Banana republic here we come.!!! Zuma is no different than mugabe or any other despotic african dictator. safe your energy Helen Zille and pack your bags so that we can all leave together. Let them rot in this place like they have done all over this sick continent.

Phiwe 4/6/2009 11:53:48 AM
Time told baba! JZ is the man.

"True" South African 4/6/2009 11:53:48 AM
This doesnt sit well, not knowing the facts and not being the decision maker ....

dj 4/6/2009 11:53:49 AM
Zim here we come.......................

Siswe Ndlovu 4/6/2009 11:53:57 AM
This is a sad day for South Africa. I hope the world can now see what a corrupt state South Africa really is. Sad Sad Sad, Zuma deserves 20 years in prison but instead he will receive Presidency.

Are you kidding me? 4/6/2009 11:54:02 AM
what a joke!

Disappointed 4/6/2009 11:54:05 AM
This is a sad time for us, that a high status individual that shows all signs of moral depth, should be let off of such charges on a technicality. It's a concern to me that I can't trust him to do the right thing for the people (and not just misuse the power) should he become our next president, which seems most likely. Politics wins again, and it is definitely not in the best interests of the people. God help us.

pete 4/6/2009 11:54:10 AM
For all South Africans. Watch the rand now!!!

Pierre 4/6/2009 11:54:10 AM
What a sorry day for South Africa that politics has stopped the legal process. What kind of message must this decision send into the world and all the other criminals out their.

Majozi 4/6/2009 11:54:14 AM
Where are the haters now,you must be rushing to your bloody graveyard hey.I am the happiest man alive today.Viva JZ

LAF 4/6/2009 11:54:22 AM
This is a joke! How much political interference did it take to drop the charges?

Sinudeity@Gmail.com 4/6/2009 11:54:28 AM
And thats how the Armsdeal got burried. Thats how 50 billion just goes missing into the corridors of Luthuli house. The day that justice in South Africa died.

Kevin Murphy 4/6/2009 11:54:31 AM
Now we know why the arms deal was not investigated - There was political involvement from the the ID. Any evidence produced by a political party will be quashed due to political involvement. Evidence is ignored. Justice is a political issue.

KH 4/6/2009 11:54:36 AM
What a sad day for a brilliant country. I hope there will be a probe into this!!!! Did zuma have another shower and wash the charges away? It must have been a hot shower too...

ndoda 4/6/2009 11:54:40 AM
Please guys on top becareful of what you do there coz it will comeback to you in time to come. no one is above the other.

Zuma 4/6/2009 11:54:45 AM
Mphse acting and making a huge decision? I think this case has been cooked.

O No 4/6/2009 11:54:46 AM
The day justice died in South Africa.

Slayer 4/6/2009 11:55:01 AM
I want to hear these historical tapes that will for ever be embedded in SA's past. Politcal intereference is not reason enought to drop a case, polictial intereference is what brought this case out into the open!

Anon 4/6/2009 11:55:04 AM
Welcome to the South African circus!

Anonymous 4/6/2009 11:55:19 AM
This just goes to show that some people are above the law!

Rus 4/6/2009 11:55:20 AM
Title says it all!

Neville 4/6/2009 11:55:20 AM
This is now the start of the end for SA. We will soon be like Zim where the criminals rule. It is a shame on SA. Start getting used to a R10 mill note with a clowns face on it.

Zullie 4/6/2009 11:55:21 AM
A VERY sad day for South Africa. I sincerely hope that Zille and De Lille proceed with their intentions to procecute privately. I'm sure the public sector that has South Africa's future at heart will support them fully - good luck.

Kris 4/6/2009 11:55:21 AM
What a waste of time, energy and Tax payers resources (all round). Sends out a clear message thats its okay to do the crime, and get away without any time. Pathetic...

Disappointed 4/6/2009 11:55:30 AM
This is a sad time for us, that a high status individual that shows all signs of moral depth, should be let off of such charges on a technicality. It's a concern to me that I can't trust him to do the right thing for the people (and not just misuse the power) should he become our next president, which seems most likely. Politics wins again, and it is definitely not in the best interests of the people. God help us.

SIHLE-P 4/6/2009 11:55:30 AM
WAS A GOOD DECISION BY NPA. THEY ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO REGAINING THEIR LOST REPUTATION. ONE STEP CLOSER 16 DAYS AND COUNTING. 22ND APRIL HERE WE COME

Louis 4/6/2009 11:55:43 AM
First Vusi Pikoli was fired, then Schabir Shaik released and now Jacob is off the hook.Welcome to Zimbabwe.The worst is till to come.Mpshe is such a coward or is he afraid to loose his job.Tax payers' money down the drain.

Jonny 4/6/2009 11:55:45 AM
...no, Political interference at it's best. The sword over Showerman's head has been replaced by a dark cloud of suspicion, which will never go away. The first time since 1994 that I will not have ANY respect for the president and I am not alone.

Franky 4 Fingers 4/6/2009 11:55:49 AM
I don't understand. If dancing were illegal and two people were caught dancing. how can the one go to "jail" albeit for a shortened period based on false medical records and the other get away with it. The evidence against Shaik was over whelming yet these clowns can't put JZ away. I hope the NPA boss can sleep at night knowing what he has done to the image of this country. RIP SA

Zolani 4/6/2009 11:55:50 AM
????????????

Andrew 4/6/2009 11:55:50 AM
Disgusting

NickEd 4/6/2009 11:55:51 AM
This is a sad day for the SA judicial system. Zuma should have had his day in court and then have the opportunity to prove himself innocent, and if probably would have done so happily if he was actually innocent. But, I'm sure that the NPA's decision was influenced by them fearing for their lives. Our ruling party has become a monster that may just be the demise of this beautiful country.

shep 4/6/2009 11:55:54 AM
The best birthday present ever for Msholozi!!!Its good that you off the hook Mr.Zuma,then you can get into office with a sobre mind. Now lemme tell ya we expect great things from now.

Brigiet 4/6/2009 11:55:57 AM
It is not really fair to Bulelani Ngcuka what happened...can a mammoth case like this be dropped just because someone or some people were conspiring against Zuma? Is that reason enough? I dont know what this country is coming to? Everyone knew that Zuma had a corrupt relationship with Schabir and was charged with corruption? How does that make him innocent? Just because its allaeged that new evidence popped up? Zuma, you're day is coming...and the infighting in the ANC, is the beginning

Anon 4/6/2009 11:56:02 AM
Excellent decsion by the NPA. I'll drink to that...click....cheers....

Daneil Traub 4/6/2009 11:56:14 AM
approaching the broadcast with a feeling of fear that the charges would be dropped, it is clear that the DPA's decision is sound in law. The sad truth is that the prosecution was unnecessarily tainted by Mbeki and McCarthy. Mbeki was too greedy to let the law just run its course and found it necc. to medle like he had done in the Selebi matter etc. in terms of the constitution the matter cannot proceed. The result thereof is that Messrs Mbeki & Zuma will always invoke distrust

H Viljoen 4/6/2009 11:56:16 AM
A Shameful day - disgusting

just me 4/6/2009 11:56:20 AM
What a joke! Did anyone mention that SA has become the laughing stock of the world. If there was interference, then that should be investigated to determine the extent of the interference. You can't go claiming interference to drop charges if there was no, or very little interference. Anyway, one would not expect them to understand this argument anyway. They'll probably just try to drop this too. Muppets. What else will go wrong for South Africa?

sainted 4/6/2009 11:56:20 AM
Why am I not surprised. A political appointment is meant to protect political aim and objectives. The Truth and the whole of South Africa suffers at the hands of the Ruthless ANC bullies. Communism is based on a small ruling elite dominating the masses - this is another step that needs to be contested openly. Too many lies, what do we believe now? Let a court decide.

Smee 4/6/2009 11:56:23 AM
I would have been happy if the charges were dropped after thorough court proceedings. This leaves me with doubt.

MZINTO 4/6/2009 11:56:23 AM
Stick to the truth and the truth will set you free.Congra to NPA for ultimately realize the truth.MZINTO

dan 4/6/2009 11:56:29 AM
IT IS TODAY, A VERY SAD DAY FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION, OUR DEMOCRACY AND OUR COUNTRY AS A WHOLE. IT IS WITH REGRET THAT THE DECISION BY THE NPA TO DROP CHARGES AGAINST ZUMA, HAS FORCED MY HAND INTO MAKING THE FINAL DECISION TO LEAVE THIS COUNTRY. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINING OF THE SLIPPERY SLIDE INTO A "ZIMBABWE" SITUATION FOR SOUTH AFRICA.

Adriaan 4/6/2009 11:56:30 AM
The whole freaking country is corrupt...absolutely pathetic.

Eben 4/6/2009 11:56:39 AM
What a joke! The NPA has no power against the ANC, they are running this country into the ground and act like the public is to stupid to notice... They'll keep on with their corrupt and brainless ways untill there is nothing left AND then still blame it on apartheid, America, Colonialism ect..

MajorPain 4/6/2009 11:56:39 AM
Well, I for one am not surprised. Pissed off, but not surprised. Next step, overturning the conviction against Shaik, so that he in turn can sue government for wrongful incarceration etc and make fat bundle...again. Then, of course the matter of the state returning all seized assets with interest. We're so screwed.

vincent 4/6/2009 11:56:46 AM
What a waste of money

DT 4/6/2009 11:56:47 AM
Is this further evidence of corruption at the highest level????????????????

emperor 4/6/2009 11:56:50 AM
This was expected. I read an interesting interview with the legendary Wilbur Smith this morning. He was asked about his views on Africa, and he wisely said that Africa is more comfortable with a dictatorship than democracy.

Loudly S African 4/6/2009 11:56:52 AM
So the NPA has acted on unproved allegations of of political interference and abuse of power. These (behind the scenes) allegations have not been tested in court. Corrupt Jacob will will definitely give Mpshe the job he has set his sights on and Hofmeyr has proved what a good apparatchik he is. Just as well they're atheists or they would fear for their souls when they die.

Mandla Mahlangu 4/6/2009 11:56:59 AM
Umshini wami umshini wami ayeye, what a nice victory before the 22nd

Anonymous 4/6/2009 11:57:02 AM
So we could have a president who is found not guilty of raping a woman and who is ignorant on HIV and now the NPA has dropped corruption charges as well. The message is clear. In South Africa you can be corrupt and do harm to others and you will get off scott free. What a wonderful democratic country we live in. Viva corruption, Viva South Africa.

ntokozo 4/6/2009 11:57:06 AM
now we can focus on more important issues.

sipho 4/6/2009 11:57:12 AM
This is sick, how can they drop the charges he is a criminal, and now he will be the next president this is mad, to have a criminal as our ruler

Rabbit 4/6/2009 11:57:17 AM
how predictable, my 2 year old new what teh outcome would have been - it is a sad day for SA democracy that political pressure can set a man free - thanks for waisting our tax money ANC - you will probably now take a few more millions to cellebrate and buy the masses T_Shirts ?

Joe 4/6/2009 11:57:18 AM
McCarthy ran a conspiracy all on his own for 8 years!Do they think all the public are imbeciles!Ofcourse the decision was difficult. They couldn't think of a proper excuse other than to blame someone who is out of the country and can't be got at easily. To quote the Scots, for ever after the verdict against Zuma will be NOT PROVEN. No wonder the African National Corruption are sucking up to the Afrikaners, they sound and act more and more like the apartheid Nationalists governmentf

Disgusted 4/6/2009 11:57:18 AM
I cannot believe Zuma will not be charged! This after wasting tax payers money fopr the past 10 years. I'm sure this money could have been put to better use. So this whole saga shows us two things - politicians live by a completely seperate set of laws than the rest of the population. And the NPA are a bunch of spineless characters who's barks are bigger than their bites.

Steve 4/6/2009 11:57:21 AM
Just great - now we going to have a REAL criminal as president!!! SICK!!! SICK!!! SICK!!! Wonder how much they paid the NPA to have the charges dropped???

Morne 4/6/2009 11:57:47 AM
The NPA has just made SA the biggets joke in the world - I have nothing to say about the NPA it self because actions speak louder then words in here case. Our country has got with currently rules & regulations absolutely NO future. After today I dont think we can have something like a proud South African because we have nothing to be proud of.

Neven 4/6/2009 11:57:49 AM
This does not mean that he is not corrupt and that his corruption will not continue after the elections. To me he will always be guilty until he faces judgement in court.

anon 4/6/2009 11:57:55 AM
Zuma charges dropped...saw it coming.

Kal-El 4/6/2009 11:58:04 AM
I still believe our next president took money even though the investigation was tainted. Our country now has to face leadership by a very crooked government where every second person is linked to or suspected of some criminal act. Tough times lie ahead but we will weather the storm. This is the start of the decline of the ANC at least which has held this country at ransom for to long.

Ano 4/6/2009 11:58:04 AM
what can i say? umsholozi was set free. this political fight is causing a lot of problems. ngcuka abused his powers to nail msholozi. let the justice prevail.

Mike Lester 4/6/2009 11:58:05 AM
Awesome... now we are well on the way to becoming the next Zimbabwe... Zuma and his corrupt friends can have this country... It is the toilet of the world. BYYYEEEEEEE

Dave 4/6/2009 11:58:06 AM
Now it is acceptable to be corrupt, conficted criminal and still be in parlement. Here is your new Cabinet : JZ President, Winnie Vice-president and Schabir Shaik Minister of Finanace. Julias Saftey and Security ... Aint Life Great in SA. Lets Make Luke Watson Minister of Sport.

Sam 4/6/2009 11:58:15 AM
A perfect example of how crime and corruption always pays in this country. I wonder what "pay-off" Mokotedi Mpshe recieved from the ANC to drop the charges.

Basher 4/6/2009 11:58:16 AM
Wonder what Leonard McCarthy has to say now he is the scapegoat for yet another traversty of justice... bottomline, time for change is now.

Albert Vermeulen 4/6/2009 11:58:17 AM
Today is a sad day for SA. The decay of our justice system has just started! Favouriteism is not supposed to be part of a legal system!! I truly hope, that all criminals that have been prosecuted, keeps the NPA extremely busy! And I would be on theyr side too! If we have A possible criminal leading our country, what harm will a few ekstra on the streets do? This is clear evidence, that a cancer growing in our country, as was last seen when the old National party ruled unchallenged for too long!!

Outraged!!! 4/6/2009 11:58:20 AM
This is Outrageous. How in the world do we even allow this SA? I am tired of having to sit by and watch this idiots turn this beautiful country of ours into a Circus!!!

Charlie 4/6/2009 11:58:25 AM
It's ironic how none of the tapes make reference to Thabo Mbeki nor do they make reference to the evidence being fabricated. Which means that this does not prove his innocence. Only the guilt of others. Why was this not tested in court?

mech engineer 4/6/2009 11:58:27 AM
Corruption and dishonesty wins again! What a joke!

Stefan 4/6/2009 11:58:38 AM
BIG Surprise ! Not !

Lumukanda 4/6/2009 11:58:42 AM
I mean really, are any of you surprised in the slightest? One set of rules for the elite, another for the man on the street, is this really the freedom south africans suffered so much to achieve? Prosecute the whole lot, mbeki, mccarthy, zuma, haul the whole f*#&!ng lot of the them before the court. bastards.

Tumi M 4/6/2009 11:58:42 AM
I cannot wait what the DA has to say about this. Although I was expecting this, seeing it in Black and White shocked me to the core. There will be a huge wave of reaction over the next 24 hours....I am disappointed because the case about Shabir Shaik's questionable medical parole will disappear in the background.

Jack 4/6/2009 11:58:47 AM
06 April 2009. The day that South-Africa started to die.

LD 4/6/2009 11:58:50 AM
Surprise Surprise?.. Strange how this happens just before elections. Looks like we in for a bumpy ride?..

Simon 4/6/2009 11:58:58 AM
Welcome to Zumababwe

Morne 4/6/2009 11:58:59 AM
GREAT, That means I can doe the same and nobody can touch me!!!! Just wonder why the other parties involved were not so fortunate? VIVA SOUTH AFRICA...errr NOT!!!

D. 4/6/2009 11:59:04 AM
Very sad day for this country that the charges agianst Zuma have been dropped. The ANC have made a complete mockery of the judicial system, the NPA have lost all credibility and the country is well on it's way to becoming the next Zimbabwe.....I once had hope for this country but no more after hearing Zuma has been left off the hook. Certain people in this country are above the law especially if you in the ANC.

honest pres? 4/6/2009 11:59:07 AM
Hardly a desirable state of affairs, but has there ever been a proper president? Nats ordered security forces to shoot anything that moved and siphoned off millions through their military budgets and raped the Caprivi region, stealing hardwoods and ivory. Zuma took some cash for preferential procurement on arms. Hardly the crime of the century. Vorster, Botha, De Klerk had (still have) plenty of blood on their hands. Did no time?

phill 4/6/2009 11:59:26 AM
This is the saddest day in the history of this country ,we are a mockery of civilization ,and to the world , we are a country that has failed all aspects of justice and democrocy .

Mariam 4/6/2009 11:59:26 AM
A sad day in SA, Why can't the ANC at least try to do the right thing, and not serve themselves who ever votes for them is tarnished with the same brush. Another Nasty Criminal party. This country was liberated to this! What a waste we are now just another African country gone wronge. How sad..

Riaan 4/6/2009 11:59:31 AM
JZ is now truly above the law. Why am I not surprised by the NPA's decision? This news will probably give the ANC a landslide victory in the upcoming election. Well timed, along with Sheik's parole etc. Why do the words "staged production" spring to mind?

remi 4/6/2009 11:59:44 AM
and what is new...no surprise here. only problem is the rest of the world is about to class us as the next ZIM. so much for all the hardwork. I suppose its up to the citizans now as our justice system has failed us yet again aswell as goverment...lets vote this criminal and all his croonies out of here let us the citizans show the rest of the world we will not just lay down and take this kind of nonsense let vote for anyone but the ANC

boanergesza1 4/6/2009 11:59:46 AM
I cant say I'm surprised. What baffles me are these "tapes". Why only now? What about Shaik? Is there going to be an enquiry into these "tapes". It all sounds a bit strange if you ask me.

Big Buddha 4/6/2009 11:59:47 AM
As a tax payer I'm the moer-in because i can't beare to see my money being wasted on a whole lot of BS. The millions of rands spent on this circus could have made such a difference. Bugger the NPA, JZ and the rest of the clowns that run the country.

anon 4/6/2009 12:00:03 PM
Shaik is guilty and Zuma is free... how does that work? When the ANC supporters wake up and realise that the ANC does nothing/hasen't done much to improve anything in this country, it'll be to late! Fact I think it's too late- I trully feel unproduly south african today!

Jo 4/6/2009 12:00:22 PM
We all knew this will happen. Suppose Mpshe received a new Mercedes and the promise of a big fat pay cheque in the years to come

JK 4/6/2009 12:00:23 PM
They should have proceeded with Zuma's prosecution and charged McCarthy with interfering with the process! BUT, I suppose if you're barking the tune the ANC wants you to, any excuse will do!

Stand UP 4/6/2009 12:00:35 PM
Why are we as SOuth fricans so afraid to be heard? It's time we stood up, took to the streets, called on the international community, and made our voice heard! This simply cannot continue! Its time our western friends sanctioned this country just as they did during apartheid times. We are heading for another Zim and everybody just sits arund complaing and doing NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My SA 4/6/2009 12:00:43 PM
The decision to drop Zuma's charges was politically motivated by the ANC and it is clear that Mpshe was gonna be booted out if he was going to take a decion against Zuma. Zuma has raped justice and hour constitution. This is clear if you have money and political powerful in SA you are above the law.Also how the intelegence department is runned is a big concern and how they took tapes of former President Mbeki, Ngcuka and Maccarthy without authorisation is illegal.

Kev 4/6/2009 12:00:49 PM
USELESS - THIS COUNTRY IS GOING DOWN, SEE THIS SPACE SOON... DONT VOTE!!!!!!!

thabo thebe 4/6/2009 12:00:50 PM
That was the end of our constitution.

Gock 22 c 4/6/2009 12:00:53 PM
Must be marked as the falling of South Africa. With the most currupted party and man in history in charge of SA. Investers wont come close to this place now that is a fact.

Enoch 4/6/2009 12:00:53 PM
Just like Al Capone, now SARS should charge him for tax evasion, but also being politically correct, nothing will happen. Now we await the charging of McCarthy, Mabandla, Mbeki and others for defeating the ends of justice! The NPA doesn't have the balls, but who does? Maybe the DA, IFP, ID should do it!!

JK 4/6/2009 12:00:55 PM
They should have proceeded with Zuma's prosecution and charged McCarthy with interfering with the process! BUT, I suppose if you're barking the tune the ANC wants you to, any excuse will do!

Boni 4/6/2009 12:01:15 PM
Trully speaking, i dont like JZ and i think he is a flawed individual, but the NPA, especially Macarthy have seriously abused the process. Why was Ncuka allowed to direct the prosecutors, when he was no longer in the employ of the NPA. to me he was just settling political scores!!

don 4/6/2009 12:01:17 PM
Well , well . What were we to expect under the circumstances ? AAHHSSOO maybe the Chinese boss has also spoken . Political interferance in the bribery ? Sure same as now . Only a proper court case with ALL the facts will show innocence or guilt . NOW who is the loser ? South Africa .......the world already thinks we are a banana republic .

George 4/6/2009 12:01:17 PM
Just wondered what would have happened if Zuma was from another political party.......

CDS 4/6/2009 12:01:19 PM
Outrageous No wonder they wanted Zille and De Lille not to be present at the briefing. This is corruption at it's best Let the rest of the world laugh at our stupidity

Concerned 4/6/2009 12:01:20 PM
It greatly concerns me as our judiciary system has taken a big knock, our politicians want to be considered a first world country but by this it shows that our judiciary system is no other than Zimbabwe. This will hurt our country in the long run, lets hope come voting day, the majority of the country will see this and vote accordingly. Got to love Africa, you can get money from a convicted fraudster (Shaik) and still be President.

MK 4/6/2009 12:01:26 PM
South Africans have been robbed a great deal. We knew what the NPA decision was going to be. It is now up to us to show our dissappointment through voting. Where is this country really going???

Malcolm 4/6/2009 12:01:43 PM
So now we know. One law for the rest and another for the ANC. What a waste of taxpayers' money. We accept these things too easily. Maybe we should protest ANC style until "our demands are met"

dave 4/6/2009 12:01:50 PM
Very appropriate decision seeing that another criminal landed in south Africa on this day in 1652. Our Country is buid by criminals

kaygee 4/6/2009 12:01:54 PM
1st it was rape and now corruption..what a president we have SA, a leader indeed..

Leanne 4/6/2009 12:01:56 PM
What I dont understand is that they said Leonard McCarthy was caught abusing power and using political influence...what about Zuma! These are things he does on a daily basis! Yet nothing happens to him. Today is a grave day in our Country's history.

Hennie 4/6/2009 12:01:59 PM
This decision was based entirely on "incorrect" procedures having been followed. Conveniently McCarthy is made the scapegoat in all of this. Recently the NPA by word of Mpshe himself was adamant that they have enough evidence to go to trial. All of a sudden this "change of heart".Nowhere are the merits of the corruption charges mentioned. Judge Squires delivered a judgment implicating JZ 100% with our Mr Schaik - on the merits!! Those merits have merely been swept under the carpet.Rest my case!

Gaddafi 4/6/2009 12:01:59 PM
Finally the state has come to its senses, but I urge the NPA to continue investigate those who manipulated this case bcoz u can't frame someone and expect to tell the tales, u have to face the music. So Mr McCarthy and his cronnies must face Justice for what they did to the country, they wasted the state resources, so NPA must publicise those tape recordings. Someone must be held accountable and if it's not JZ then who's that PERSON??????

Cde 4/6/2009 12:02:45 PM
This psends a message that the rule of law applies different to those who are well connected, well resourced and who occupy high positions in this country. Misconduct by McCarthy is no legal reason to let Zuma off the hook. Watch this space the worst is still to come.

Hulkman 4/6/2009 12:02:50 PM
This is the beginning of the end for South-Africans. I urge all of you to go and seach on you tube the following : Where is miss Ann!! You will be amazed by the comments. I am truly disappointed to be called a true South-African. This is a disgrace to our country. All I know is that my dad always told me: The wheel will turn!!!!

GKT 4/6/2009 12:02:50 PM
I have read through the above posts. People, you do realize there are millions in SA who disagree with you! The truth, going way back into the ANC and their internal power struggles, and what they are really like as an organization, will never be known. SA's must just accept that, or leave the country.

Always_Question 4/6/2009 12:02:56 PM
If the Scorpions boss did influence decisions then he must be taken to task, but the fundamental question still hangs - did Mr Zuma have a 'generally corrupt' relationship with Mr Shaik? These are the allegations that we, as the general public, are more concerned with and it needs to be tested in a court of law.

Erenei 4/6/2009 12:02:58 PM
The saying goes, two wrongs does not make it right. If there was interference then they surely must be charged as well. If Zuma committed the crime then he should face the charges, now it seems that because someone else did something wrong they can just drop the case. How can an ANC person, Mokotedi Mpshe, be part of this decision?

Cynicus 4/6/2009 12:03:01 PM
To all the jubilant ANsCheep ... I don't know if JZ is guilty. Neither do you. And if JZ is innocent, he ought to have relished his day in Court. I am not a fan of his ... but he will now have a permanent "Is he ... or isn't he?" floating over his head. No importance in a shack somewhere. A laughing-stock matter in the rest of the world. A sad day for process. And South Africa.

RC 4/6/2009 12:03:01 PM
Die wiel draai...niemand kom weg daarmee om skelm te wees nie. Eventually word hulle gevang...ek sal sit en wag. :-).

BigGC 4/6/2009 12:03:03 PM
Zuma has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion and now he will never get the chance to prove this assumption incorrect. However, I by no means believe this is over. Zille is definitely not going to let this be swept under the rug that easily.

Lady Liberty 4/6/2009 12:03:23 PM
It isn't even a surprise anymore. Injustice is the one thing South Africa is consistent at. I can't wait for all the Zuma supporters to vote him in only to have their money used to build his island of gold. To everyone in the NPA you are gutless fools.

Dewald van Niekerk 4/6/2009 12:03:30 PM
And all you angry folk can't leave the country because the world economy does not allow...guess we better stay and make to most of a very difficult situation...imagine we can sit back 4 years from now and say JZ was a good president so far?...imagine!!!!

Inacio 4/6/2009 12:03:53 PM
If tape recording that the public have never heard or seen, do they even exist? is political interference, then what do you call the dropping of charges against Mr Zuma, his political followers were already celebrating before the announcement was made, political "party-ing"

The Truth 4/6/2009 12:04:16 PM
Bishop Tutu said that they will get their come-uppance someday.Nobody escapes justice forever.

Hugely Dissapointed 4/6/2009 12:04:25 PM
Generally I am positive about SA, but this is the icing on the cake. This country is run by corrupt politicians that are supposed to serve us, the people, but just use their posts in government for their own agenda's and to line their own pockets and forget about the millions that vote for them expecting a "better future for all". This is a sad day in history and I no longer am proud to call myself a citizen of this country where I dont know how safe I will be when I go to work tomorrow.

just malala 4/6/2009 12:28:53 PM
To all those who thinks JZ would not and cant rule this country wrong! same applies to those who thought Barrak will neva be president of the US. many matyers were persecuted but JZ lived tell the tale.

Go-Slo 4/6/2009 12:28:58 PM
Innocent till proven guilty....Zille Hoe jou bek...

james 4/6/2009 12:29:12 PM
the anc nominates the head of npa and npa drops the charges. how nice ? DA shame on you too.

Lucas Mothupi 4/6/2009 12:29:14 PM
I hope this serves as a wake up call to the opposition parties that unless they unite and form a forbidable force against the ANC, they too will have played a part in the creation of a banana republic. We need to salvage the country and time for egos is long gone. De Lille, Zile, Holomisa, Lekota, and others, wake up....

crime 4/6/2009 12:29:14 PM
april 06, 2009 is the day i will become a thief, committing fraud and being corrupt. no longer paying my taxes, tv licence or traffic fines. no longer will i adhere to the laws of the road, or not drink & drive. and i will teach my children to steal, and carry knives, and break windows ... WHY - because i look to my president for guidance - he is my role model, and the leader of my country. he must lead by example, and i will follow his example - even if i didn't vote for him!!!

Russ 4/6/2009 12:29:15 PM
So what is Judge Squires opinion of this?

Rod 4/6/2009 12:29:19 PM
IT IS TODAY, A VERY SAD DAY FOR EVERYBODY, OUR DEMOCRACY AND OUR COUNTRY AS A WHOLE. IT IS WITH REGRET THAT THE DECISION BY THE NPA TO DROP CHARGES AGAINST ZUMA, HAS FORCED MY HAND INTO MAKING THE FINAL DECISION TO INVESTIGATE MY OPTIONS WHICH INCLUDE LEAVING THIS COUNTRY. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINING OF THE SLIPPERY SLIDE INTO A "ZIMBABWE" SITUATION FOR SOUTH AFRICA.WHO IN HIS RIGHT MIND WOULD INVEST HERE WITH LITTLE OR NO PROTECTION. I EMPLOY 100 PLUS STAFF WHERE TO NOW??

Quinton Marshall 4/6/2009 12:29:21 PM
All you negative morrons will be proven wrong by JZ - he is not the idiot that the DA & their media would want all to believe. If all would just look at the protesters at the G20 summit you will see that the Europe & USA has been crippled by corrupt white colors who has been allowed by their governments to enrich themselves at the expense of their own people. i challenge you to go live there if we are heading for a Zimbabwe situation as you say and we'll see who is the happiest.

Vothu 4/6/2009 12:29:26 PM
The interference of MC Carthy and Ngcuka has nothing to do with Zuma charges.Is Zuma innocent or Guilt this does not prove anything to me.

Bigbatman 4/6/2009 12:29:33 PM
You people who think Zuma is going to do anything good for you...... are in for a very sad wake-up call. Disgusted South African

You can't full the world, Ask G.Bush 4/6/2009 12:30:07 PM
At least other people know how to buy time while they are still in the world, but unfortunetly you can't full Principles, time will tell. This is the same,some of old apartheid rulers they managed to manupulate Principles, they had a nice time and buy time while they are still in planet earth. Unfortunetly, innocent white young citizen are paying for that now. For Zuma to escape this totally, someone is going have to pay for this.It can be whole country / Future ANC as whole / NPA.

Grenville Phillips 4/6/2009 12:30:26 PM
Well, you didn't need a fortune teller to predict the outcome of this fiasco! Very sad day for South Africa and how others will view our country.

MarkC 4/6/2009 12:30:31 PM
I am so ashamed to be a South African-this case has finally proved that the ANC respects justice only when it's in their favour. When it's not they simply change the rules....

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