Prosecutors drop Zuma graft charges

South African prosecutors dropped corruption charges yesterday against ruling party leader Jacob Zuma, who is expected to become president, ending a long legal battle that had raised doubts over his ability to govern.

Acting chief prosecutor Mokotedi Mpshe said the former head of the elite Scorpions anti-crime unit had manipulated the legal system and said "abuses" uncovered in taped conversations were behind the decision to drop the charges.

The National Prosecuting Authority said the case was closed and no further charges would be brought against Zuma, whose ANC party is widely expected to win an April 22 election and choose him as president.