By Amy Musgrave
While corruption charges have been withdrawn against former minister of sports, arts and culture, Zizi Kodwa, his political career remains uncertain, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announcing on Friday it will review the decision.
This follows the Hawks writing a letter to the National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi requesting a review of the decision by the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke.
The state had accused Kodwa of receiving bribes totalling R1.6 million between 2015 and 2016 when he was the African National Congress’ spokesperson.
The charges were withdrawn on Friday against Kodwa and co-accused Jehan Mackay, who is a former executive of IT company EOH.
“In terms of Section 179 (5) (d) of the Constitution, the NDPP may review a decision to prosecute or not to prosecute, after consultation with the relevant DPP and after taking representations within a specified period from the accused person; the complainant; any other person or party whom the NDPP considers to be relevant,” NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said in a statement.
“The NDPP will review the decision in line with the above-stated legal framework and communicate the decision accordingly.”
Chauke reportedly said that the decision to abandon the prosecution followed representations from Kodwa and Mackay, as well as evidential material in the case docket, and reports from the prosecutor, investigating officer and the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit.
Kodwa resigned in June as the minister and from the ANC’s national executive committee to focus on fighting the allegations.
Meanwhile, the ANC has welcomed the decision to withdraw the charges.
“… comrade Kodwa, in strict adherence to the ANC’s 55th National Conference resolutions on renewal and integrity, voluntarily stepped aside to allow due legal processes to unfold. His decision reflected a commitment to both the Constitution of the ANC and the republic, prioritising the organisation’s values of transparency and accountability,” said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
“This outcome reaffirms our commitment to justice and the rule of law, principles that underpin the ANC’s approach to both leadership and governance.
“The ANC acknowledges the importance of these resolutions on renewal, which seek to reinforce the integrity of our leaders and build public trust in our movement.”
It is understood that Kodwa wants to return to the NEC, however, certain steps need to be followed, including making representations to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.
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