Zuma: Constitutional Court next?
12 January 2009

A decision to uphold the National Prosecuting Authority's appeal against a High Court ruling halting the prosecution of Jacob Zuma could see the ANC leader heading to the Constitutional Court.

"We are giving consideration to the judgment, which might include an application for leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court," said Zuma's lawyer Michael Hulley.

Zuma, who nevertheless remains the African National Congress' presidential candidate in general elections this year, may again face charges of racketeering, money laundering, corruption and fraud related to the government's multi-billion rand arms deal.

"The effect of this decision is that Zuma remains charged," National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Tlali Tlali said after its appeal was upheld.

"The parties would have to meet soon to look for a court date to bring the main criminal case on the roll again," he said, adding that there was no indication of a possible plea bargain.

Zuma was charged in 2005, but the case was struck from the roll in 2006. He was then re-charged in December 2007.

Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Chris Nicholson set aside the decision to prosecute him in September 2008.

Fienie and Adele Grobler, www.news24.com