Zuma welcomes NPA decision

2005-06-21 09:03

Cape Town - Ex-deputy president Jacob Zuma has welcomed the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) decision to charge him on two counts of corruption.

Zuma said in a statement: "I welcome this decision as it affords me an opportunity to respond to, and clarify the allegations that have been made against me over a period of time."

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Monday, NPA spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi said NPA head Vusi Pikoli had informed Zuma that he had decided to bring criminal charges "against his person".

"Such charges will be constituted by, among others, two counts of corruption.

"Mr Zuma will in due course be informed of the date, time and place where he will have to avail himself at court to face these charges."

Zuma would not be physically arrested but would be ordered to appear in court later this week in Durban, he said.

The presidency said in a statement Pikoli had informed president Thabo Mbeki of the development.

"The president hopes that all South Africans will allow the law to take its course," the presidency said.

Legal process

The ANC National Working Committee said it had accepted Zuma's request to "withdraw his participation from all ANC structures pending the completion of the legal process." Zuma would however remain ANC deputy president.

Political parties also welcomed the NPA's decision.

Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon said the NPA's decision was in line with the judgment handed down by Justice Hilary Squires in the Schabir Shaik trial, as well as with President Thabo Mbeki's decision to remove Zuma from office.

"Politically this decision is deeply significant, as it will effectively mean that Mr Zuma may now be incapable of playing any major political leadership role due to the various legal processes that will now be set in motion.

"Since Jacob Zuma has consistently maintained and demanded his day in court, we trust he will welcome the NPA's decision, as his wish has now been granted," Leon said.

Squires found there was a "generally corrupt" relationship between Zuma and Shaik, his former financial advisor.

- SAPA