Jacob Zuma Guilty

South Africa is suffering from another mass delusion. Many aren't buying into it, but many are.

African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma was officially free of his corruption charges on Tuesday.

The High Court in Durban endorsed a decision taken by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to drop the 16 charges against the presidential frontrunner, who was seen smiling as the decision was confirmed. (from the Mail and Guardian)

Jacob Zuma is guilty of fraud and corruption. There I said it. Will he challenge that statement. Would he challenge it in court? Really? When we all KNOW he is guilty? Here is the case against Jacob G Zuma.

The NPA's acting head, Mokotedi Mpshe on Monday that the 16 charges would be dropped due to the alleged abuse of process by the former head of the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), Leonard McCarthy.

Mpshe was quick to point out that dropping the corruption charges did not amount to Zuma's acquittal.

His decision was not based on the actual merits of the case.

"It does not amount to an acquittal ... Mr McCarthy's conduct offends one's sense of justice. It would be unfair as well as unjust to continue with the prosecution," Mpshe said at a press briefing.

I refuse to pretend that the "interference" in any way made it impossible for Jacob Zuma to have a fair trial. Evidence of this interference will never be tested in court. It's like producing a single untested piece of evidence which hints at innocence is enough to halt the prosecution. The fact that the NPA had to do a legal dance to get the information in front of them. I just wonder how that evidence could be led before a court of law. Who deposes to it? In fact not one instance of the alledged "interference" prejudiced the actual case against Mr Zuma.

ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe on Monday said there were "good reasons" why the Zuma prosecution had to end: "Comrade Zuma has suffered undue prejudicial delay which renders a fair trial impossible." Undue prejudicial delay?! When Jacob G Zuma has fought the prosecution at every turn to the highest court in the land he can get off because of delay?

Some of the ANC's provincial leaders waiting for Zuma outside the court included provincial health minister Peggy Nkonyeni, who shouted "free at last, free at last". Nkonyeni also faces corruption charges, related to the procurement of medical equipment, and is out on bail. (No I am not making this up)

(Prediction - Jacob Zuma will wish that he still had his day in court.)