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South Africa Provisionally Withdraws Charges Against Zuma's Son

South Africa Provisionally Withdraws Charges Against Zuma's Son

(Bloomberg) -- South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority has withdrawn corruption charges against former President Jacob Zuma’s son Duduzane because the allegations against him are being handled in another inquiry, a letter from the country’s chief prosecutor shows.

South Africa Provisionally Withdraws Charges Against Zuma's Son

The case was due to be heard in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday. Duduzane is accused of helping to organize a meeting with Mcebisi Jonas, then deputy finance minister, in which a member of the Gupta family, who are friends with the Zumas, allegedly offered him the post of finance minister in exchange for a bribe.

Jonas has testified at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry, whose investigations into state corruption include the Guptas allegedly using their relationship with Jacob Zuma to influence government appointments. Zuma and the Guptas deny any wrongdoing.

The prosecuting authority states in the letter that is was “not in the interests of justice” to continue with the case against Duduzane because Jonas’s evidence before the Zondo commission hasn’t been finalized.

NPA spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku wasn’t immediately available for comment.

To contact the reporter on this story: Sam Mkokeli in Johannesburg at mmkokeli@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Karl Maier at kmaier2@bloomberg.net, Hilton Shone, Ana Monteiro

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