The Catholic Church has described as “unfortunate” the decision to drop corruption charges against Jacob Zuma, the man widely expected to win the South African presidential election on April 22.
South Africa’s chief prosecutor, Mokotedi Mpshe, announced on Monday that charges against Zuma were being dropped after phone-tap evidence showed there had been political interference in the investigation and it was “neither possible nor desirable” to prosecute Zuma.
The decision by National Prosecution Authority (NPA) threw Zuma’s supporters into celebration but also drew sharp criticism from around the country.
Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, Archbishop of Durban and spokesman for the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), termed the decision unfortunate.
“The NPA decision not to proceed with the prosecution of Mr. Jacob Zuma has denied both Mr. Zuma and the country the chance to establish his innocence or guilt once-and-for-all through the normal process of a court of law, the cardinal said.
“However, in the interests of peace, healing and reconciliation, we appeal to all parties involved to use this unfortunate situation as an opportunity to commit themselves to good governance, with the expected accountability and transparency. It is crucial that all in position of responsibility learn from this episode to shun corruption in all its forms.”
Zuma, 66, the leader of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, has been in and out of court over the last four years. In 2005, his close associate Schabir Shaik was found guilty of fraud and corruption in connection with an multi-billion dollar arms deal. President Thabo Mbeki sacked him as deputy president.
Zuma was later charged with corruption and then the HIV-positive daughter of a family friend accused him of rape. He was acquitted of the rape charges in 2006.
Zuma sparked further controversy when he claimed that he knew the woman wanted to have sex with him and that it was against his Zulu culture to turn down a woman. He also said that he did not use a condom but took a shower to “protect” against HIV infection. At the time, he was head of South Africa’s Aids council.
The ANC elected Zuma as party president in December 2007. Within days, prosecutors brought new charges of corruption, racketeering and tax evasion against him.
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