(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Jacob Zuma has finally submitted reasons for why he should not face prosecution over the #SpyTapes saga that has followed him round for more than a decade.
As reported by IOL, he was initially meant to make his representations on 30 November 2017, but managed to wrangle a seven-week extension to the deadline. It’s nice when you have friends in high places. You can do this sort of thing.
The deadline for his submissions was 31 January, 2018. Incredibly, he handed over the papers just a few hours before time had ran out:
After initially missing the November 2017 deadline to make submissions, #Zuma is cutting it pretty close by making submissions at 21:00 on the day of the deadline. #SpyTapes
— Lezanne (@Lizira00) January 31, 2018
What are the #SpyTapes?
The case in question doesn’t actually refer to something incriminating Jacob Zuma said. The head of the now-disbanded Scorpions unit Leonard McCarthy was caught on tape, colluding against Zuma with former NPA officials and ex-president Thabo Mbeki.
As Mr Zuma was due to face some serious questions over his conduct in trying to negotiate arms deals alongside Schabir Shaik, the former director of the NPA Mokotedi Mpshe decided to drop the investigation into the would-be President.
Mpshe ruled that the tapes were inadmissible, and lead to the National Prosecuting Authority announcing that the spy tapes meant that no conviction could be brought forward for the president. It was a feeble excuse, and reeked of political influence.
Who decides if Jacob Zuma is prosecuted?
Shaun Abrahams is the current NPA director, and a longtime Zuma disciple. His job is also in serious doubt, but for now, he will decide if JZ must face prosecution for multiple charges of fraud and corruption.
There could even be a twist in the tale before a verdict is reached. The DA are demanding a chance to respond – and submit their own papers – if Jacob Zuma has used the last seven weeks to come up with new reasons as to why he should not be charged.
Prosecutors now have two weeks to decide if Jacob Zuma must appear in court.
