'Enough evidence' for Zuma charges

POLOKWANE, South Africa (CNN) -- South Africa's top prosecutor said Thursday he has enough evidence to charge Jacob Zuma, the newly-elected leader of the African National Conference, with corruption, following years of allegations.


Newly-elected ANC leader Jacob Zuma is congratuled by outgoing president Thabo Mbeki.

Mokotedi Mpshe, the acting director of National Prosecutions, told local station Talk Radio 702 that he now has enough evidence for a trial.

"The investigation is complete," Mpshe told the station. "All what we are doing now is to tie the loose ends. But the investigation is complete and the investigation, with the evidence that we have now, points to a case that can be taken to court."

Zuma, 65, has for years faced corruption allegations which center on an alleged payment Zuma received from his financial adviser, guaranteeing protection in any government investigation into an arms deal. Zuma was deputy president at the time.

The adviser, Schabir Shaik, was found guilty in 2005 of bribing Zuma and sentenced to 15 years in prison. President Thabo Mbeki sacked Zuma as vice president after the verdict.

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Zuma was expected to make his victory speech later Thursday, the final day of the ANC party conference in Polokwane, about 125 miles north of Johannesburg. Learn more about Zuma »

Zuma's new position as head of the party threatens Mbeki's position as head of the country, and there was speculation that the prosecutor's announcement may have been Mbeki's way of proving he still holds power.


Although Mbeki -- in charge since 1999 -- can stay on as president until his term finishes in 2009, analysts say it would be difficult for him to do so if he lost his party's backing.

Zuma's rise to victory this week has highlighted his immense popular appeal in contrast to Mbeki, whom many party faithful consider autocratic and aloof. E-mail to a friend

CNN's Robyn Curnow contributed to this report.