South African prosecutors announced Friday that charges against former minister Zizi Kodwa have been dropped. Kodwa was arrested in June during a significant corruption investigation.
He faced accusations of accepting 1.6 million rand, about $85,000, in bribery. The funds were allegedly tied to municipal contracts for software improvements in Johannesburg.
Prosecutors withdrew the charges, citing diminished chances of a successful prosecution. This decision also affects Jehan Mackay, a business associate arrested in the same case.
Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the national prosecuting authority, confirmed the withdrawal. “The prospects of a successful prosecution have diminished due to new developments,” Mjonondwane stated.
Kodwa welcomed the decision and expressed a desire to stay within the African National Congress (ANC). He is ready for a new role within the party, which recently lost its parliamentary majority.
The ANC faces ongoing scrutiny over corruption, particularly during Jacob Zuma’s presidency. Despite this, Zuma’s new party gained nearly 15 percent of the vote in the 2024 elections.