I'm a wounded warrior - Zuma

2008-09-12 14:59

Pietermaritzburg - ANC president Jacob Zuma said the court ruling in his favour on Friday was a victory for the justice system but that it had left him a "wounded warrior".

The African National Congress leader broke into a Zulu war song after speaking to thousands of supporters outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

"I have wounds all over my body because of the warriors from my neighbourhood, they are all stamping, all over me," Zuma sang.

This was after he explained Judge Chris Nicholson's finding that the decision to prosecute him on fraud and corruption charges was invalid.

"It is a victory for the judiciary, it is victory for our democracy, it is victory for our justice system," Zuma told the crowd.

"When I sat in court, I remembered one of my learned friends saying he was sober as a judge. Indeed, this judge was sober," he said to laughter.

"My view is, today's judgment will help South Africa."

A lesson

Zuma, dressed in a dark pinstripe suit, white shirt and red tie, and surrounded by dozens of bodyguards, thanked his supporters, saying the ruling should serve as a lesson to politicians.

"The decision was a lesson for all of us, all the people of South Africa, that we should not be quiet when the people in power break the law.

"Your support made me realise that there were people in this country who uphold the law.

"It was difficult. Not that I'm saying it's all over now," added Zuma.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has yet to announce whether it will appeal the ruling.

Belief confirmed

Zuma said Nicholson confirmed his belief that there was a political conspiracy against him.

"The judge said... this is a political wrangle," Zuma said to loud cheers.

"[The judge said] the manner in which they charged me, is so unconstitutional... and said it was all unfair."

"He [Nicholson] said the NPA did not have a valid case. He was going to take it off the roll," said Zuma, adding that the prosecution was "undemocratic, unconstitutional".

He noted that only a few leaders, such as SA Communist Party secretary general Blade Nzimande and ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, had supported him at his previous court appearances in Pietermaritzburg.

But on Friday, many high profile people attended the ruling, including businessman Tokyo Sexwale and suspended Ekurhuleni metro police chief Robert McBride.

"Before Polokwane, all the leaders were hardly seen around here because of fear of intimidation. You knew if you appeared where Zuma was, you were in trouble. But today, they are all here."

Then he added: "Let me correct this, there were leaders who were used to come here, your Nzimandes, your Motlanthes."

Earlier, cheers of joy had erupted outside the court when the verdict was broadcast to his supporters camped out in Freedom Square, opposite the court.

- SAPA