Special feature: Zuma's corruption trial
By Political Staff
Jacob Zuma is off the hook and is now set for a smooth run at the presidency.
The dramatic turnabout is a result of secret evidence said to point to blatant executive and outside interference in the work of the National Prosecuting Authority.
This "Mbekigate" evidence is said to be so explosive it would be neither wise nor viable to prosecute the ANC leader, who has long argued he is the victim of political conspiracy.
The evidence in the possession of Zuma's legal team means acting prosecutions boss Mokotedi Mpshe is expected to bite the bullet and drop the charges against Zuma within days, a decision which will be processed by KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Vuka Tshabalala.
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Those close to the NPA are "very positive" Mpshe will make a decision after consulting his lieutenants on Monday.
The political fallout from the Mbekigate scandal for several former top politicians and key state officials is likely to be immense. These include former president Thabo Mbeki, his confidantes in the presidency, former NPA boss Bulelani Ngcuka and former Scorpions boss Leonard McCarthy.
Those close to the process, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, say the NPA is expected to approach Tshabalala as early as tomorrow to formally seal a decision to drop charges.
Mpshe - who under the law has the prerogative to decide whether to drop charges or proceed with a prosecution - has weathered external and internal pressure since news first broke a fortnight ago that the state's case was seriously compromised.
After tomorrow's meeting with his top officials - who themselves are divided on the complex issue - Mpshe is likely to announce the state will drop charges of corruption, fraud, racketeering and tax evasion, as feverishly speculated in the media over the past fortnight.
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