S.Africa Court Orders Zuma Graft Report To Be Released

S.Africa court orders Zuma graft report to be released

PRETORIA,, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 02nd Nov, 2016 ) - A potentially explosive report into corruption allegations against President Jacob Zuma must be released Wednesday, a South African court ruled, as calls grow for him to resign.

The court's order came as thousands of people took to the streets of the administrative capital Pretoria to demand that Zuma, who has been engulfed in several graft scandals, resigns. Police fired rubber bullets and water cannon to disperse supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party who tried to storm Zuma's office in the city.

The report by the Public Protector, the country's top watchdog, probed accusations that Zuma allowed a wealthy Indian family undue political sway, including letting them choose some cabinet ministers.

"The Public Protector is ordered to publish the report forthwith and by no later than 17:00 hours (1500 GMT)," judge Dunstan Mlambo told the High Court in Pretoria.

Former public protector Thuli Madonsela concluded her report into the influence of the Gupta family last month, shortly before the expiry of her seven-year term.

It was due to be released on October 14 -- until Zuma moved to block it. "Today is a historic day... Jacob Zuma must be held accountable," Mmusi Maimane, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, told reporters, hailing the court order as "a turning point in South Africa".

The president, 74, has survived a string of damaging controversies, but faces increasing criticism as the economy stalls and after the ruling ANC party suffered unprecedented losses in local polls.