South Africa nullifies inquiry into Zuma’s 1999 arms deal

A High Court in South Africa has nullified the findings of a commission that found no wrongdoing in a 1999 arms procurement deal.

South Africa spent more than $2bn (£1.6bn) on military hardware for its armed forces, 20 years ago.

But the deal was mired in allegations of large-scale bribery and corruption.

Under former President Jacob Zuma a commission of inquiry was set-up to investigate these claims.

This commission cost taxpayers more than £9m.

The inquiry was meant to investigate serious corruption allegations but instead cleared politicians of wrongdoing and failed anyone accountable.

That finding has now been nullified by a High Court.

Judges found the commission ignored “highly material” evidence in its possession and failed to investigate properly.

It will now be up to the country’s prosecutors to review the evidence.

Mr Zuma is the only politician who has been charged with wrongdoing in the arms procurement – he’s currently facing 16 charges of racketeering, fraud, corruption and money laundering relating to this deal.

He denies wrongdoing and is due to stand trial in October. He has applied for a permanent stay of prosecution,

If his request is granted it would mean there can be no further action or prosecution relating to those charges.

The result of his request is expected to be revealed later this week.

Source: bbc.com