NPA gives Zuma until Nov 30 to explain why charges should not be dropped

The National Prosecuting Authority has given President Jacob Zuma until November 30 to explain why the corruption charges against him should be dropped.

This comes after the Supreme Court of Appeal judgment on October 17 upheld a High Court ruling that the decision to withdraw the 783 charges against Zuma was irrational.

On Friday, the NPA said before the withdrawal of the charges against Zuma in2009, there were 218 names of witnesses attached to the case, and those needed to be tracked down again.

“Earlier this week the  National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) met with General Matakata and the investigating officer to establish the reasonable timeline it would take to verify the availability of the witnesses.

“It was agreed that the investigating officer would require at least 30 days to conduct an initial assessment prior to reverting to the NPA on the availability of the witnesses and any factor(s) which may or may not impact on the feasibility of the re-enrolment of the matter. As such, the investigating officer is expected to revert to the NPA hereon by no later than 30 November 2017,” the NPA’s statement revealed.

The NPA said the NDPP was of the view that in light of the judgment of the SCA, it appeared that any further representations envisaged by Zuma should relate to issues not previously considered.

“As a result, Mr Zuma has been advised through his lawyers that he has until 30 November 2017 to submit any envisaged representations to the NDPP. Likewise, the DA has been invited, in the event they deem it necessary to also submit further representations, which should reach the Office of the NDPP by no later than 30 November 2017.

“The NDPP will advise on the way forward after receiving feedback from the investigating officer as to the availability of the witnesses and having considered representations from Mr Zuma, should any be forthcoming and from the DA, should any be forthcoming.”