NPA hasn't contacted me - Zuma

2007-12-21 12:32

Johannesburg - The National Prosecuting Authority has not contacted newly elected ANC president Jacob Zuma or his advisors about corruption charges against him, Zuma said on Friday.

"I have not been contacted, my advisors have not been contacted but the media has been contacted," Zuma said in an interview on SABC radio. He was responding to questions about Thursday's statements by the NPA that it had enough evidence to prosecute him.

He said he was also concerned about the manner in which the NPA "conducts itself".

"Their (the NPA) trend is towards the media and that is a worry. Ever since they have been dealing with my matter they dealt with it as if it is a public relations issue."

Zuma said the NPA had said different things (about the investigation) in the past two months.

"If there is any action to be taken we will cross that bridge when we get there.

"All I can say that is unfair because it creates a particular perception in South Africa," he said.

Enough evidence to prosecute

On Thursday NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said: "On the basis of investigations carried out, enough ground has been covered so far to support evidence such that there is a prosecutable case.

"The NPA has got to make that decision on this matter and this decision is imminent," Tlali said on SAFM.

AFP quoted the National Director of Public Prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe as saying: "The investigation, with the evidence we have now, points to a case that can be taken to court."

"The investigation is complete. All that we are doing now is to tie the loose ends."

Asked whether charges would be filed soon, Mpshe replied: "Yes, that's my impression."

The corruption charges relate to Zuma's relationship with financial adviser and convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik.

Zuma was fired as the country's deputy president in 2005 shortly after Shaik's conviction.

Initial corruption charges against Zuma were dropped last year as the state said it wasn't ready to prosecute him.

Charges 'difficult' for ANC

The party's newly elected deputy Kgalema Motlanthe said during the ANC's national conference in Polokwane that the possibility of renewed charges against Zuma were very difficult for the party.

"The issue of comrade Jacob Zuma facing fresh charges is very difficult to deal with, for the simple reason that many people can face allegations at some point or the other," he said.

"The prosecution will have a second bite at him and we will see how that pans out," he said.

Reflecting the opinion of many at the conference, Motlanthe said he was concerned by the way the Scorpions had conducted the investigation, naming Zuma before he was brought to court.

- SAPA