SA’s top prosecutor to quit after row

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s top prosecutor has asked to resign after his corruption allegations against powerful Deputy President Jacob Zuma sparked a damaging political row within the ruling African National Congress.

Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka asked the justice minister to relieve him of his duties two weeks ago and the matter is now before President Thabo Mbeki, Ngcuka’s spokesman said yesterday. Ngcuka heads South Africa’s FBI-style Scorpions unit, which last year investigated Zuma on suspicion of soliciting bribes from a French firm in exchange for contracts in a multi-billion dollar government arms deal.Zuma – long regarded as Mbeki’s probable successor – has denied any wrong-doing.Ngcuka nevertheless announced last year he had “prima facie” evidence against Zuma, but would not prosecute because the case was unlikely to succeed in court.Zuma’s financial adviser Schabir Shaik is to face trial on similar charges in October.Political observers said pressure would intensify when Shaik’s trial begins in October, with some predicting that more damaging allegations could surface in court.Opposition parties interpreted Ngcuka’s resignation as the result of political pressure from within the ANC and said the Shaik trial would need careful scrutiny.- Nampa-ReutersNgcuka heads South Africa’s FBI-style Scorpions unit, which last year investigated Zuma on suspicion of soliciting bribes from a French firm in exchange for contracts in a multi-billion dollar government arms deal.Zuma – long regarded as Mbeki’s probable successor – has denied any wrong-doing.Ngcuka nevertheless announced last year he had “prima facie” evidence against Zuma, but would not prosecute because the case was unlikely to succeed in court.Zuma’s financial adviser Schabir Shaik is to face trial on similar charges in October.Political observers said pressure would intensify when Shaik’s trial begins in October, with some predicting that more damaging allegations could surface in court.Opposition parties interpreted Ngcuka’s resignation as the result of political pressure from within the ANC and said the Shaik trial would need careful scrutiny.- Nampa-Reuters