The saga involving allegations that Deputy President Jacob Zuma was involved in corruption has taken a most unsatisfactory turn.

The National Directorate of Public Prosecutions has decided that, although there is a prima facie case against him, he will not be criminally charged.

The directorate argues that the prospects of a successful prosecution "are not strong enough". In the absence of full access to the information at its disposal, the public has no choice but to accept the legal basis on which such a decision was made.

Yet, politically, this is a most unfortunate development. On the one hand, as has predictably happened, opposition parties will attribute the decision not to prosecute Zuma to political interference.

On the other hand, the decision also denies Zuma himself an opportunity to once and for all put to rest the allegations in a court of law.

The latest development does no-one any favours: now the allegations will forever swirl around Zuma's head, and his integrity will always remain in question.  

It is an undesirable outcome after months, if not years, of allegations and rumours. The question must be asked: was the investigation managed in the most effective and professional manner?

To raise so many contentious questions around the deputy president, and then to decline to prosecute him in the end, is, at best, inept; at worst, downright vindictive.

Now we will never know whether Zuma was indeed involved in any improper behaviour regarding an arms deal. What is certain, however, is that his reputation has been irreparably damaged.

Can he still be regarded as a future candidate for the presidency? Can he even still remain on as deputy president under the circumstances? And what about the implications for his leadership role within the ANC?

To all intents and purposes, Zuma's political career is now over. The innuendos raised by the allegations have seen to that.

With acknowledgement to the Cape Times.