Pietermaritzburg Judge Chris Nicholson said last week that the decision to prosecute former Vice President and current President of the African National Congress (ANC) Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges was not valid. The case was thrown out. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), however, has appealed the case.

In his ruling, Judge Nicholson mentioned that President Thabo Mbeki may have inappropriately interfered in the case- a suggestion that now has many calling for Mbeki’s resignation.

If Mbeki leaves office, either the speaker of parliament or Zuma would lead the country. Zuma is already the favourite in next year’s presidential elections. He is the current President of the African National Congress (ANC) (in the South African system you can be president of a political party but not necessarily President of the country).

The ANC is meeting to discuss the matter. They could force Mbeki to resign.

True, an independent judiciary is crucial to a democracy, and if Mbeki did interfere in the case, he should resign. But this is only an allegation.

What I do not understand is how Zuma continues to be a national hero, the victim. Nevermind the 16 charges against him: one count of racketeering, two counts of corruption, one count of money laundering, and 12 counts of fraud.

This is also the man who raped a woman who is HIV positive and then said that he took a shower to ensure that he did not contract the disease.

That such a man will most likely become President of South Africa next year is frightening.

Note:  I had mistakenly referred to Zuma as VP; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is the current Vice President. 

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