ANC statement on judgment handed down on NPA decision to withdraw charges against President Zuma

29 April 2016

The African National Congress (ANC) has noted the judgment handed down today by a full bench of the North Gauteng High Court in the matter involving the 2009 decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to withdraw corruption charges against President Jacob Zuma. It is important to note that the Court did not deal with the merits of any allegations against President Zuma nor did it make any finding declaring guilt on any matter against President Zuma. Today’s judgment was solely a judicial review of an administrative action taken by the NPA as allowed for in our law. We trust that it shall therefore not be used by any in our society to infer any culpability in any crime or offence by the President.

The ANC has consistently supported the legal maxim that justice delayed is justice denied. This matter has dragged on for close to a decade and the ANC is pleased therefore that it now appears closer to resolution, seven years since the NPA decision.

We once again reaffirm our full confidence in our legal system with its adequate and extensive checks and balances designed to protect and promote accountability and transparency.

Issued by Zizi Kodwa, National Spokesperson, ANC, 29 April 2016