NPA Confirms It Will Drop All Charges Against Duduzane Zuma On Thursday

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it will drop all charges against former President Jacob Zuma’s son, Duduzane Zuma, when he appears in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday.

Currently, out on R100,000 bail, Zuma was charged in connection with alleged corrupt activities relating to the controversial Free State dairy farm project involving the Gupta family. The 34-year-old businessman’s name featured prominently at the state capture commission of inquiry.

While Zuma had a close relationship with the Guptas in the past, he has repeatedly denied having any illegal dealings between himself and the controversial family.

Last year, former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas testified that he was offered R600 million by a Gupta brother to accept the position of Finance Minister. Jonas revealed that all this happened at a meeting facilitated by Duduzane.

Although the former president’s son denied all the claims in an affidavit to the Zondo commission, he admitted having met with Jonas to discuss apparent blackmail claims against the former deputy minister.

According to a report coming from Business Day, the NPA sent a letter to Duduzane Zuma’s lawyers on Tuesday, notifying them of the provisional withdrawal of the charges.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane Aldo reportedly told the publication that the state would comment on the matter only after Thursday’s court proceedings. Zuma’s lawyers are also expected to comment only when the court process gets finalized on Thursday morning.

While the news brings some relief for Zuma, he will still face culpable homicide charges in the South Gauteng High Court. Zuma is on trial after he crashed his Porsche into another vehicle killing two passengers back in 2014. The pre-trial hearing for the case will take place on Thursday.