Opposition Moves to Revive Charges against Zuma

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma is facing a fresh hurdle as the country’s opposition yesterday commenced steps aimed at reviving corruption charges against him.
The opposition had rejected arguments that President Zuma could not be prosecuted while in office.
As a result, Democratic Alliance leader, Helen Zille has gone to court in a bid to overturn a decision to withdraw corruption charges against Zuma.
But his lawyers say he cannot be prosecuted unless he is either impeached or resigns.
The charges were dropped in April, shortly before elections, which saw Zuma becoming president.
State prosecutors said there had been evidence of political interference in the case under the previous government, led by Zuma's rival Thabo Mbeki. Zuma has always denied the charges.
Zille said she would oppose the submissions made by Zuma's lawyers to the Pretoria High Court this week.
According to reports in the United Kingdom’s Mail and Guardian, a paragraph in the president's legal submission to the court stated: "Charges can only be brought if he is successfully impeached in terms of the constitution or after his term of office ends.”
But Zille is adamant that this statement is not true, saying South Africa's constitution does not exempt a sitting president from criminal prosecution.
She added that the constitution was based on the principle that all are equal before the law.
Zuma later refused to comment on his lawyers' submissions but said he would appear in court if ordered to do so.
Zille said the DA was going to court to reinforce the doctrine of "separation of powers" and wants Zuma charged in his personal capacity.
Zuma was first charged with corruption, racketeering and money laundering in 2005, but has not faced trial.
The National Prosecution Authority had obtained recordings of phone conversations, which suggested the timing of the decision to charge Zuma in 2007 had been manipulated, leading to the charges being dropped.
Charges were resumed just days after Zuma won a bitter contest against Mbeki to lead the ruling African National Congress.
By Yemi Adebowale with agency report, 09.19.2009