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South Africa: Ruling party leader Zuma appears in court to win graft case dismissal
Mon. August 04, 2008 05:49 am.- By Bonny Apunyu. -
(SomaliNet) In a bid to win the dismissal of a graft case that could end his chances of becoming South Africa’s president next year, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress leader Jacob Zuma appeared in court on Monday.
Experts say the case will most probably decide whether the African National Congress leader will succeed Thabo Mbeki as South African president next year.
Zuma and his lawyers claim that his prosecution is unlawful and unconstitutional.
Zuma stands accused along with a French arms company of bribery in a multi-billion-rand (dollar) 1999 arms deal.
The case opened Monday and was expected to last one or two days.
Zuma arrived at the court to cheers from supporters. Hundreds of followers staged a vigil outside the court singing the anti-apartheid song "Bring Me My Machine Gun," which has become Zuma's anthem.
Jessie Duarte, ANC spokeswoman, said Zuma has been "persecuted" by prosecutors.-Agencies
News Category: Africa
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