The Constitutional Court 's dismissal of Jacob Zuma's challenges to the lawfulness of search and seizure operations conducted by the prosecution and the use of original Mauritian documentation in his corruption trial, serves as proof that the highest court in the country can act without fear or favour.

Despite alleged attempts to interfere with the Court's judgment, and attacks on the judiciary from the ANC, COSATU and the SACP, a major obstacle to Jacob Zuma facing justice has been removed.

Jacob Zuma has consistently asked for his day in court. He and his supporters must now accept today's decision as the legitimate pronouncement of the Court and must desist from any further attempts to block the course of justice.

If Zuma is indeed innocent, they have nothing to be concerned about because they can have faith in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.

Statement issued by Helen Zille, leader of the Democratic Alliance, July 31 2008