Withdrawing the case against ANC President Jacob Zuma could spell the end of the rule of law in South Africa, according to the DA.

Speaking to the media outside the offices of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) after handing over her party's representations, DA leader Helen Zille said Zuma supposedly argued that if he is to be brought down, others must be brought down too.

"If this is indeed the basis of Zuma's representations, this actually aggravates the case against him," Zille said.

"He is asking for a cover-up because the evidence in open court could bring down the government. The prospect that the NPA could be complicit in such a cover-up would mean the end of the rule of law in South Africa."

Acting NPA head Mokotedi Mpshe was not available to accept the representations. However his secretary, "Jackie", was kind enough to accept them on his behalf. "I was treated very politely," said Zille.

She said if any incumbent in any office of the state acted unlawfully in the circumstances surrounding the investigation of Zuma, they should be charged too. Zille argued that the alleged wrongdoings of other government officials cannot be used as an excuse to nullify the corruption, bribery, money laundering and racketeering charges against Zuma.

The DA's representations tackled four aspects, namely the role of the NPA under the constitution; the presumption of innocence; the legitimacy of the criminal justice system; and Zuma's constitutional rights.

Zille said if the NPA dropped the charges the public would have a right to know on what basis the charges were withdrawn.

She said if such an explanation was not forthcoming, it could be concluded that the NPA and Zuma entered into a mutually beneficial deal in exchange for the charges being withdrawn.

"This would be a disaster for South Africa. It would give free rein to the powerful to engage in corruption, and encourage a context of generalised lawlessness."

• This article was originally published on page 2 of The Pretoria News on March 27, 2009

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