afrol News, 30 December - Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the umbrella body of trade unions has threatened to strike against what it described as a politically motivated graft charges against the newly elected leader of the governing African National Congress, Jacob Zuma.

The South African prosecutors have brought new graft charges against the newly elected leader of the ruling African National Congress, Jacob Zuma.

The umbrella union said it "is in consultation with its affiliates on the course to be followed in response to this political prosecution. Workers will not allow the NPA and whoever is handling them to abuse its powers in this manner."

Earlier attempts to prosecute Zuma on corruption had failed on technical grounds, but prosecutors have now include money laundering and tax evasion to the previous charges. He was accused of accepting bribes in the controversial arms deal in 2005, resulting to his sacking as the deputy President of South Africa.

As a leader of the governing party, Zuma's chances of succeeding President Thabo Mbeki in 2009 are high. But a conviction would jeopardise the ANC leader's presidential ambitions.

He is due to appear in court in August next year and his lawyers said they are ready to put a strong defence.

Last week, the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mokotedi Mpshe, said they had enough evidence to charge Zuma on corruption and that a final decision on when he would face charges was obvious.

The news was relayed few hours before Zuma delivered his first official victory speech at the ANC's 52nd conference in Polokwane. He had beaten Mbeki to secure the party's leader.

Zuma’s financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, was jailed for 15 after he was found guilty of soliciting bribes on behalf of the new ANC chief.

"The investigation is complete. All that we are doing now is to tie the loose ends," Mpshe said.

"The investigation, with the evidence we have now, points to a case that can be taken to court.”

Zuma was earlier acquitted on rape charges, but the state continued to heighten investigation on his controversial arms deal. Last month, he lost a court bid to declare a series of search warrants against him illegal.

The ANC conference voted for the disbandment of the Scorpions, a unit most Zuma supporters said was bent on conspiring to bring the new leader down. However, the Scorpions remain in force until parliament disbands it.

Zuma, who had denied the charges, has vowed to resign upon conviction by the court.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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