The charges against former Minister of Sports,Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa and co-accused businessman Jehan Mackay have been withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Gauteng Division. Kodwa reportedly used money he allegedly received from Mckay to buy a luxury SUV and paid for luxury accommodation. The pair made representations to have their charges dropped.

YOU'RE FREE TO GO

Advocate Andrew Chauke took the decision to withdraw the charges of Corruption in Contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act ( PRECCA) against the two accused.

The duo was initially charged with allegations stemming from April 2015 to February 2016, when Kodwa was employed as the National Spokesperson of the African National Congress (ANC).He allegedly received direct payments and luxury accommodation worth over R1,6 million paid by and or facilitated by Mackay as gratifications for his interventions in government procurement processes to advance the interests of Mackay.

NPA Spokesperson Phindile Mjonondwane said, "the decision to abandon the prosecution 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."

[WATCH] NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says they are not at liberty to disclose the details of former Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa and co-accused Jehan Mackay's submissions to the Director of Public Prosecutions to have their corruption charges withdrawn.… pic.twitter.com/U2NdDjIoUp

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CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

Mjonondwane said owing to the change in circumstances, brought about by new developments that came to light, the DPP was duty bound to take into account that the prospects of a successful prosecution diminished.

"The NPA continues to discharge its discretion on prosecutorial matters, as enjoined by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, without fear, favour and prejudice," she concluded.