Publication: Cape Times Issued: Date: 2009-03-31 Reporter: Sapa

Zuma Talks Enter Day Two

 

Publication 

Cape Times

Date

2009-03-31

Reporter Sapa
Web Link www.capetimes.co.za



The National Prosecuting Authority was set to enter a second day of talks on Tuesday about the possibility of dropping graft charges against ANC leader Jacob Zuma, reports said.

NPA bosses were locked in a marathon meeting on Monday to discuss an "entire basket of information" on Zuma's case, NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said.

Business Day newspaper reported that sources close to the meeting said the NPA was expected to make an announcement at a press conference on Tuesday.

The Star newspaper said the discussions between the NPA's acting head, Mokotedi Mpshe, Asset Forfeiture Unit boss Willie Hofmeyr and prosecutor Billy Downer were "difficult".

SABC radio reported that the meeting was a "confidential process" which was expected to continue on Tuesday.

The meeting was assessing progress made so far on the information the NPA had received from Zuma's legal team on the representations they had made in the hopes of having the case against him dropped.

"It is this entire basket of information that must be properly considered. It is our view that it is not in anyone's interest for this issue to remain unresolved over a lengthy period of time," Tlali told Sapa on Monday.

"The NPA is giving it [the] priority attention it deserves. The urgency that attaches to the process should not be at the expense of procedures that as a matter of law must be followed.

"The NPA will appropriately communicate its decision once there is one in place," he said.

Zuma, the ruling African National Congress' presidential candidate, is facing fraud and corruption charges related to a multi-billion rand government arms deal.

The announcement could end a lengthy legal battle between the authority and Zuma.

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With acknowledgements to Sapa and Cape Times.



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