South African prosecutors have dropped corruption charges against the son of former president, Jacob Zuma.
Duduzane Zuma was facing charges of corruption and conspiracy to commit corruption for dealings he had with the Guptas.
The Guptas, the Indian-born brothers are accused of securing contracts using their relationship with Duduzane’s father, Jacob Zuma.
Former South African deputy finance minister, Mcebisi Jonas had accused Duduzane of engaging in corrupt acts.
The allegations are linked to a multi-million rand offer allegedly made to Jonas on behalf of the Gupta family. Jonas claims in 2016 the Guptas offered him the position of finance minister.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) however said the decision to drop charges does not mean it was ready to prosecute the case.
Duduzane was at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Johannesburg on Thursday when the NPA announced the withdrawal decision.
Already former president Jacob Zuma himself is facing corruption charges relating to 783 questionable payments he allegedly received in connection with a controversial multi-billion rand arms deal.
Zuma’s corruption charges were first filed against him in 2005 when his financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, was jailed for fraud and corruption.
The former leader went on trial in 2006 but the case collapsed when the prosecution said it was not ready to proceed more than a year after he was charged.
Zuma and his son have all denied wrong doing in charges leveled against them.
Source: Africafeeds.com
