ADVERTISEMENT

S.Africa to say if ex-leader will face prosecution

If Abrahams does decide to pursue Zuma, the former president will likely appeal the ruling on a number of grounds and argue that the decision is illegitimate as Abrahams' own position is uncertain.

National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams is expected to announce his decision at 1230 GMT at the prosecuting authority's head office in Pretoria, but whatever the decision it is expected to spark a firestorm of opposition.

In December, the High Court in Pretoria ordered then-deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa to replace Abrahams, ruling that Zuma's decision to appoint him was "null and void" because he was "conflicted" at the time.

If Abrahams decides not to prosecute Zuma, then a number of opposition parties and campaign groups are expected to either appeal the decision or bring their own private prosecution.

ADVERTISEMENT

"If the National Prosecuting Authority fails to prosecute Zuma, AfriForum's private prosecution unit, under the direction of advocate Gerrie Nel, puts in motion the process of private prosecution," said the campaign group AfriForum, which advocates for its largely white membership, many of whom speak Afrikaans.

'Charges hanging over him'

Nel is a former public prosecutor who attained worldwide prominence when he forensically dismantled Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius' account of how his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp died, leading to the athlete's murder conviction.

"The opposition are like a dog with a bone, they are not going to let it go. They are going to make (Abrahams) pay for his transgressions," independent political analyst and author Nomavenda Mathiane told AFP.

"I don't think Zuma can stay out of court -- there's too many charges hanging over him," she added.

ADVERTISEMENT

A court last year ruled against prosecutors' 2009 decision to drop the corruption charges faced by Zuma months before he became president.

Zuma's criminal charges relate to multi-billion dollar arms procurement deals struck by the government in the late 1990s and from which he is accused of profiting corruptly.

At the time, state prosecutors justified dropping the case by saying that tapped phone calls between officials in then-president Thabo Mbeki's administration showed undue interference.

Zuma resigned as president last month embroiled in a storm of criticism and growing calls for him to step down following a series of corruption scandals while the country battled falling economic growth and record unemployment.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT