South African prosecutors were considering dropping corruption charges against ruling ANC leader Jacob Zuma after he lodged a legal request, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said today.
A decision to drop the charges could boost the ANC's campaign for elections on April 22nd. The African National Congress faces its greatest challenge since apartheid ended in 1994, but Mr Zuma is still expected to emerge as president.
"Mr Zuma has made representations to the NPA...possibly to change the complexion of the decision that has been taken by the NPA to institute criminal proceedings against him," NPA spokesman Tlali Tlali told Reuters.
"The matter is under consideration."
The corruption case against Mr Zuma has increased political uncertainty in Africa's biggest economy, where growth had been slowing even before the heavy impact of the global financial crisis.
Last month, a judge postponed Mr Zuma's trial to August 25th - several months after he is expected to become president.
Mr Tlali said the decision on whether to continue with the graft trial or drop charges could take some time. "We will announce our decision when we are ready to do so."
South African media said the NPA would meet later today to make a decision, but Mr Tlali declined to confirm this.
Analysts have said Mr Zuma's lawyers could strike a deal with prosecutors to end the case or alternatively that the ANC could try to change the constitution to grant a serving president immunity from prosecution.
The ANC leader has denied wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a political conspiracy.
The NPA charged Mr Zuma with corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering on December 28th, 2007, eight days after he won the ANC party leadership by defeating then president Thabo Mbeki.
A High Court judge dismissed the corruption charges but the decision was overturned by the appeals court in January.
Reuters