Publication: Business Day Issued: Date: 2006-12-07 Reporter: Edward West Reporter:

’No Decision’ on Charging Zuma, Thint Again

 

Publication 

Business Day
Date 2006-12-07

Reporter

 Edward West

Web Link

www.businessday.co.za

 

DURBAN ­ Deputy national director of public prosecutions Leonard McCarthy says no decision has been taken yet on whether to charge Jacob Zuma and French arms company Thint again for corruption, despite attempts to obtain more crucial evidence.

However, he believes “serious offences have been committed”, which were his reasons for an application to the Durban High Court for a letter of request to the Mauritian authorities to hand over the original of a diary that allegedly details a meeting between Jacob Zuma, Schabir Shaik and Thint’s former CE, Alain Thetard, where an alleged bribe to Zuma was discussed.

Zuma’s lawyer, Michael Hulley, said yesterday they would oppose the application. A copy of the diary was used as evidence in the successful conviction of Shaik, but it was used “by consent” between the parties in the trial. The original documents would be required if Zuma was recharged, Hulley said.

Directorate of Special Operations special investigator Isak du Plooy said in an affidavit there “is a reasonable prospect” that corruption charges could be reinstated against Zuma and Thint.

But the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had not yet taken a decision on the matter.

The NPA’s application will be heard in the chambers of the Durban High Court on Tuesday.

NPA prosecutor Anton Steynberg described the diary as “certainly an important piece of evidence”.

If the attempt to obtain the original diary fails, the NPA might attempt to use the copy of the diary and Shaik’s diary as evidence.

African National Congress Youth League spokesman Zizi Kodwa said the conduct of the NPA was not only prejudicial to Zuma but was a clear demonstration and determination to find him guilty at all costs, “by hook or by crook”.

“Despite many public assurances to stop media leaks, these charlatans continue to misuse state power under the guise of pursuing justice,” he said.

The Gauteng branch of the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust also lambasted the NPA’s latest indications it may recharge Zuma.

“We are convinced this is an ongoing *2 ploy to ensure comrade Jacob Zuma’s leadership is doubted by the public… precisely when ANC structures are preparing for leadership nominations towards the ANC conference next year.”

The NPA attempted to obtain a similar letter of request from the high court in March, but Judge Pete Combrink ruled the letter of request would have to be granted by a trial judge.

Judge Herbert Msimang struck the case against Zuma and Thint from the roll in September after the state sought a postponement.

With acknowledgements to Edward West and Business Day.


*1       In the interest of justice.......


*2      It is certainly ongoing. Bring it to an end.