|
ANC Finds Zuma Corruption Charges 'Very Difficult' |
| Publication |
Sapa |
|
Issued |
Polokwane |
| Date | 2007-12-18 |
The ANC is finding the possibility of renewed corruption charges against Jacob
Zuma, who may be declared its next president, "very difficult," secretary
general Kgalema Motlanthe said on Tuesday.
"The issue of comrade Jacob Zuma facing fresh charges is very difficult to deal
with, for the simple reason that many people can face allegations at some point
or the other," he said at a press briefing at the party's conference in
Polokwane.
"The fact of the matter is the State makes allegations and (a person) can be
charged and prosecuted... and it will difficult to act against anybody on the
basis of allegation."
Motlanthe said Zuma case had already travelled through the
court *1.
"The prosecution will have a second bite at him and we will see how that pans
out."
He gave a lengthy explanation of a situation in the 80's where 50 000
mineworkers were dismissed, including their president and used this as an
example of how "sweetheart leadership" could be sought.
He said: "If we elect him (Zuma) we'll have to accept it, if he is charged, we
will have to accept it. We will cross that bridge when we get to it."
He felt it was not right that people being investigated for crimes were
identified.
This placed people in a very difficult situation.
"A person should be arrested, charged, then we don't have to speculate.
It's a very strange case, it
goes on and on and on ... so it is like a never
ending agony," he said.
With acknowledgement to Sapa.