The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has dropped fraud and corruption charges against former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa and co-accused, former EOH Executive Jehan McKay.
The two appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had alleged that during the period from April 2015 to February 2016, when Kodwa was employed as the National Spokesperson of the African National Congress (ANC), he received direct payments and luxury accommodation worth over R1,6 million paid by and/or facilitated by Mackay.
The NPA also alleged that this was in exchange for an IT software tender.
Kodwa resigned as a Member of Parliament and stepped aside from his party responsibility as a National Executive Committee member, to clear his name.
A visibly emotional Kodwa addressed the media outside court, adding that he welcomed the decision with mixed feelings.
“I will now resume my responsibility in the ANC.
I also want to thank the leadership of the ANC, many who continue to express their support.
Many of them called on the very first day I appeared.
But one of the calls that gave me strength was a call from Former President Kgalema Motlanthe,” said Kodwa.
Meanwhile, the NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana said the decision to abandon the charges was taken by the Gauteng DPP Advocate Andrew Chauke following careful considerations.
“The reasoning behind this decision is premised on grounds militated by the successful representations that were lodged by the accused with the office of the DPP, which were comprehensively considered alongside the evidential material contained in the case docket.
The reports from the Prosecutor and the Regional Head of the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit and consultation with the Investigating Officer,” explained Mjonondwana who was addressing the media.
The NPA said it’ll continue to discharge its discretion on prosecutorial matters, as enjoined by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, without fear, favour, and prejudice.