Corruption charges against Zizi Kodwa withdrawn [VIDEO]

The corruption charges against former minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa and his co-accused have been withdrawn.

Kodwa and EOH Group senior executive Jehan Mackay appeared briefly in the Commercial Crime Court, sitting in Palm Ridge on Friday where the State announced the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to withdraw the charges.

State prosecutor Neville Mogagabe said the decision to drop charges was made by the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andrew Chauke.

Watch charges dropped against Zizi Kodwa and Jehan Mackay

“The decision your lordship is that the charges against both accused should be withdrawn.”

‘Officillay free man’

Kodwa told the media that he is now “officially a free man”, and will be resuming all his efforts to serve the African National Congress (ANC).

“I’m available, I can apply anywhere, so I am in the job market as you know I am unemployed.”

The two men were out on R30 000 bail and intended to plead not guilty during the trial.

The corruption case of both Kodwa and Mackay had been delayed several times as they waited for a decision on whether the charges would be withdrawn against them.

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Prosecution abandoned

National Prosecution Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the decision to abandon the prosecution comes after successful representations that were lodged by the accused with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Mjonondwane said part six of the NPA’s Prosecution Policy Directives makes provision for the process of representations where an accused person may request the review of a decision to institute a prosecution as an available remedy of recourse, wherein the accused is granted an opportunity to tender their version of events.

“Their version of events is then weighed against the interest of justice, coupled with the factors mentioned above.

“The DPP was duty bound to take into account that the prospects of a successful prosecution have diminished, owing to the change in circumstances, brought about by new developments that came to light, in spite of an initial decision to institute a prosecution,” Mjonondwane said.

Charges

Kodwa and Mackay were facing corruption charges in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Precca) and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

It is alleged that Mackay paid bribes to Kodwa, amounting to R1.6 million, between April 2015 to February 2018 in the form of cash, luxury accommodation, and other gratifications.

This was allegedly in exchange for a R360 million IT software tender.

ALSO READ: Court ‘satisfied with progress’ as Zizi Kodwa awaits decision to have corruption charges dropped