Batohi to review decision to drop corruption charges against Zizi Kodwa

Kodwa and businessman Jehan Mackay appeared briefly at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court, where charges were dropped.

The case involves allegations that Kodwa received R1.7 million in kickbacks from Mackay, in return for securing government contracts for Mackay’s tech company.

The NPA says it received a request from the Hawks for Batohi to review the decision, and she will follow legal procedures before announcing her findings.

NPA Spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says the DPP decided to withdraw the charges against Kodwa and his co-accused, after receiving representations that were submitted on behalf of the accused.

"In terms of Section 179 (5) (d) of the Constitution, the NDPP may review a decision to prosecute or not to prosecute, after consultation with the relevant DPP and after taking representations within a specified period from the accused person; the complainant; any other person or party whom the NDPP considers to be relevant.

 The NDPP will review the decision in line with the above stated legal framework and communicate the decision accordingly," says  Mhaga.

Kodwa had already told the media outside court that he was ready to go back to work.

"I am really grateful that I am now talking to you as a freeman. I am more ready to resume my responsibilities. My responsibility now is to make sure that I align myself with the activities of the African National Congress (ANC). I am now on the job market, I am now available, I can be a journalist. As you know, I am unemployed," said Kodwa.

He elaborated on his decision as to why he decided to resign from his position as a minister and member of Parliament at the start of the case.

He also stepped aside as a member of the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee of the ANC.

"When we heard about this, the same day we appeared, we took a decision as a minister to resign. It was not an easy decision because there's no law that requires that if you are charged as a serving minister, you must resign, but I thought it would be inappropriate of a serving minister to have all these charges.

Let me ask the president to release me and consider it and we just have time to deal with this matter. I subsequently and simultaneously, in line with the resolutions of the 55th conference of the ANC, step aside from all activities of the ANC and all this happened without any structures," said Kodwa.

Meanwhile, the party released a statement on Friday welcoming the NPA's decision to withdraw charges against Zizi.

Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri says  this outcome reaffirms the party's  commitment to justice and the rule of law.

"The ANC acknowledges the importance of these resolutions on renewal, which seek to reinforce the integrity of our leaders and build public trust in our movement.

 We are encouraged by the diligent efforts of the NPA and remain committed to supporting fair and transparent judicial processes that uphold justice for all South Africans," says Bhengu-Motsiri.

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