There is "no truth" to reports that the National Prosecuting Authority is planning to drop charges against ANC president Jacob Zuma, the NPA said on Wednesday.

"There is no truth in the rumour," said spokesman Tali Tlali.

He however went on to add: "The decision has not been taken. The matter is under consideration."

This followed reports in The Star and Business Day, quoting "several sources" and "sources close to the matter" as confirming that the case would be dropped.

"Sources say the main reason advanced is that the prosecution does not have a 'winnable case'," wrote The Star.

Tlali would not comment on reports that NPA officials would meet on Wednesday to discuss the matter.

Zuma was facing 16 charges, including fraud, corruption and money laundering.

Zuma's former financial advisor and convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik's brother Moe, told students and ANC members at the University of Pretoria on Tuesday:

"Many of you will be moved by what I'm about to say, but in the national newspapers that's going to break tomorrow [Wednesday] morning is going to be the following headlines: 'The National Prosecuting Authority has decided not to prosecute Jacob Zuma'."

His remarks, which were met with loud cheers, were carried on SABC radio news.

According to Business Day, the decision to drop Zuma's charges came after a "thawing of relations" between the ANC president's and the NPA's lawyers. This apparently followed Zuma's expanding on claims of political interference in the decision to charge him.

With acknowledgements to Sapa.