Sowetan Reporter

Sowetan Reporter

Opposition parties yesterday came out with guns blazing following reports that the National Prosecuting Authority intends dropping corruption charges against ANC President Jacob Zuma.

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille said if such reports are true, then "this is a sign of things to come from the crowd that voted Zuma in Polokwane".

She called on voters to go to the polls remembering that "if we act against the ANC now, we will save our nation considerable pain and suffering in the future".

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said Zuma must have his day in court.

"Any other outcome will only reinforce this perception that the ruling party is undermining the rule of law," said Holomisa.

Democratic Alliance leader Hellen Zille said if Zuma was innocent, he had no reason to fear appearing in court.

However, Zuma's allies have welcomed the move to have his charges dropped. "The dropping of the charges by the NPA will restore its tainted image and credibility. This will further restore public confidence in the NPA and the overall judiciary system," said Young Communist League national spokesperson Castro Ngobese, who accused the opposition parties of "cheap politicking".

Media reports claimed that the main reason for dropping the charges was that the prosecution "did not have a winnable case".

NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali yesterday described the reports as being "devoid of any truth".