Jubilation, caution greet Zuma reprieve

JOHANNESBURG -While Jacob Zuma’s supporters danced and cheered after his corruption case was struck off the roll of the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Wednesday, political parties fired off more restrained reaction.

“Technically, Mr Zuma can be charged again,” warned Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder. “If it is done shortly before the ANC’s congress in 2007, it could knock him out of the leadership battle.It may be legally possible but it will have far-reaching consequences politically.”The African National Congress, of which Zuma is deputy president said: “As it has maintained throughout this matter, the ANC respects the rule of law and the decisions of the judiciary.”The ANC therefore calls on all South Africans to respect the judgement handed down today by Judge Herbert Msimang.”The Democratic Alliance cautioned against early triumphalism by Zuma’s supporters.Sheila Camerer, the official opposition’s justice spokeswoman, said the prosecution team could bring the case back to court later, but needed to iron out difficulties first.Nampa-Sapa”If it is done shortly before the ANC’s congress in 2007, it could knock him out of the leadership battle.It may be legally possible but it will have far-reaching consequences politically.”The African National Congress, of which Zuma is deputy president said: “As it has maintained throughout this matter, the ANC respects the rule of law and the decisions of the judiciary.”The ANC therefore calls on all South Africans to respect the judgement handed down today by Judge Herbert Msimang.”The Democratic Alliance cautioned against early triumphalism by Zuma’s supporters.Sheila Camerer, the official opposition’s justice spokeswoman, said the prosecution team could bring the case back to court later, but needed to iron out difficulties first.Nampa-Sapa