PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (AP) - In a boost to his presidential hopes, a judge on Wednesday dismissed a corruption indictment against Jacob Zuma, who walked from court and broke into a Zulu song, "Bring me my machine gun." Jubilant supporters sang along, convinced the populist politician's quest to lead South Africa has gained momentum. But concerns about the former deputy president may linger.
| Check the pic at the link; he looks like an evil George Foreman. |
Judge Herbert Msimang first denied a motion for a postponement from prosecutors, who argued they needed more time to prepare. When stunned prosecutors said they were unable to begin immediately, the judge said he had no choice but to dismiss the charges.
Some [of Zuma's supporters] called for his immediate reinstatement as deputy president; he was fired by President Thabo Mbeki last year when it became clear prosecutors were going ahead with the corruption charges.
"I said I was innocent, I am still saying I am innocent. I will repeat it tomorrow," Zuma told about 5,000 supporters, some perched in trees, outside the courthouse. He then sang "Bring me my machine gun", a tune from the anti-apartheid struggle that has become something of a campaign song for Zuma. The 64-year-old former guerrilla leader has built his following in part on his credentials in fighting to end white rule in South Africa.
The charges alleged that Zuma was aware of efforts by his financial adviser Schabir Shaik to secure yearly payments of $70,000 from the French arms company Thint Holdings, a co-defendant, to deflect investigations into an arms deal. The corruption investigations centered on a $7.1 billion deal to buy ships, submarines, helicopters, jets and other arms in 1999. Shaik, a close friend of Zuma, was convicted of fraud and corruption last year and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He has appealed. |