Justice Minister knew of Zuma indictment

Mabandla's spokesperson says she was informed about Zuma's indictment

Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla was informed of the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) decision to prosecute ANC President Jacob Zuma for corruption, fraud and racketeering. Asked yesterday whether Mabandla had been informed prior to the NPA filing the indictment in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, her spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said: "She was informed."

He was not, however, able to say when Mabandla was actually informed of the NPA's decision to prosecute Zuma. The indictment was filed in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday last week. Zuma faces 16 charges in total - one count of racketeering, two counts of corruption, one count of money laundering and 12 counts of fraud. The two South African subsidiaries of Thales International (formerly Thomson-CFS) - Thint Holding (Southern Africa) Pty Ltd and Thint (Pty) Ltd - each face a charge of racketeering, and two counts of corruption.

NPA boss Vusi Pikoli was suspended in September, with one of the allegations being that he had failed to inform Mabandla of the Scorpion's decision to seek arrest warrants for the Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi. Selebi was to be arrested for alleged corruption, fraud, racketeering and defeating the ends of justice. The warrants were subsequently cancelled following Pikoli's suspension.

Earlier in the day Nqayi said he was not aware of whether the minister had studied the report yet on the NPA's decision regarding Selebi. She was still on leave, he said. - Sapa