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South Africa's Zuma files application challenging graft report: eNCA TV
President Jacob Zuma speaks during his question and answer session in Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, September 13, 2016. PHOTO BY REUTERS/Mike Hutchings
26/10/2016
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's president has sought clarification from an anti-graft watchdog that he would be able to question witnesses himself before it finalised a report on accusations he allowed an Indian-born business family to interfere in state affairs.
eNCA TV cited an affadavit filed to a court on Tuesday by President Jacob Zuma, who is under pressure from opposition parties and within his own ruling African National Congress (ANC) over links to the Gupta family. Zuma denies any impropriety, as do the three businessmen.
"The only way to determine whether the report is final or not is for the Public Protector to say so in no uncertain terms. In this regard I invite her to do so," Zuma said in the affidavit.
The brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta are subject of a report, yet to be released, by the previous Public Protector on allegations that they influenced the appointment of ministers. It is unclear whether the new holder of the office will publish that version of the report, which Zuma fears could unjustly implicate him.
Release of the report by the Public Protector, a constitutionally-mandated anti-graft official, was stayed on Oct. 14 by Zuma's application to the High Court.
A court will on Nov. 1 hear Zuma's application to delay release on the grounds he has not had the chance to question witnesses and review any evidence that might implicate him.
Presidency spokesman Bongani Ngqulunga said he would comment on the latest affidavit later after speaking to Zuma's lawyers.
The Business Day newspaper cited an internal party report in which some branches of the ANC are calling for Zuma and the main party's leadership to step down after a poor showing at local elections in August.
ANC spokesman Zizi Kodwa declined to comment on the report, saying "we don't comment on internal discussions."
(Reporting by TJ Strydom; Writing by James Macharia; editing by Ralph Boulton)
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