Citizen Online
Thursday, November 09, 2006
JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress deputy president Jacob Zuma is back in South Africa after a visit abroad, his aide Ranjeni Munusamy said on Wednesday.
"He arrived yesterday (Tuesday)," she told Sapa.
Munusamy would not talk about Zuma's whereabouts on Wednesday morning, saying: "For security reasons, I cannot reveal exactly where he is."
She also declined to confirm reports that he had visited Russia.
"All I can say is that he was in Europe. I cannot be specific about the countries. He was away for quite some time."
Munusamy said there was still no comment forthcoming from Zuma on Monday's failed appeal by his former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik.
The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by Shaik against corruption and fraud convictions, and confirmed his sentence of an effective 15 years in prison.
It also upheld a Durban High Court finding that the relationship between Shaik and Zuma had been "generally corrupt".
The judgment is seen as a setback for Zuma's chances to succeed President Thabo Mbeki as it has increased the odds of corruption charges against him being re-opened.
Shaik was to reveal later on Wednesday whether he would lodge an appeal with the Constitutional Court, or report for his prison sentence by Thursday. - Sapa.