Zuma 'wants his day in court'
2005-06-20 17:32
Cape Town - The national prosecuting authority's decision to prosecute former deputy president Jacob Zuma is what Zuma has wanted all along, the ANC Youth League said on Monday.
"This will give Zuma the opportunity to explain his side of the story," said League spokesperson Zizi Kodwa.
He said Zuma had been found guilty by the media and the public, but that through the law he was still innocent.
The "impartial courts" would give Zuma the opportunity he deserved.
"(We and) the deputy president have been crying for three years now for this opportunity in court," he said.
The ANCYL has faithfully stood behind Zuma, calling for the former deputy president to be given his day in court.
Zuma was dismissed from his post last week by President Thabo Mbeki following alleged irregular dealings with his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik.
The national director of public prosecutions, Vusi Pikoli, informed Zuma on Monday that he had decided to bring corruption charges against him.
The NPA said Zuma would not physically be arrested, but would be ordered to appear in court later this week in Durban.
The charges were informed by Judge Hilary Squires' finding that Shaik was guilty of fraud and corruption.
- SAPA