South African prosecutors dropped corruption charges today against ruling party leader Jacob Zuma, who is expected to become president, ending a long legal battle that had raised doubts over his ability to govern.
Acting chief prosecutor Mokotedi Mpshe said the former head of the elite Scorpions anti-crime unit had manipulated the legal system and said "abuses" uncovered in taped conversations were behind the decision to drop the charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the case was closed and no further charges would be brought against Mr Zuma, whose ANC party is widely expected to win an April 22nd election and choose him as president of Africa's biggest economic power.
However some analysts said dropping the charges on a technicality without establishing Mr Zuma's innocence meant the eight-year-old allegations of corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering would continue to dog him.
"Mr Zuma is not going to have his day in court now...," said University of Johannesburg political analyst Adam Habib. "The scandal and the corruption charge will forever taint the administration and it will forever be compromised."
The case has been closely followed by investors looking for political stability as the economy teeters on the brink of recession and has raised questions about the independence of South Africa's judiciary.
South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Neren Rau questioned the NPA's motives and said it must be independent and "free of the perception that it offers political solutions."
"These are essential prerequisites for the conduct of business and for favourable investor interest in South Africa."
The ANC said the decision was a victory for the rule of law.
"Never again should we allow institutions of government to surrender their professional independence by engaging in parties and political battles," ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe told a news conference.
Reuters