Durban:
Corruption charges against Jacob Zuma, widely expected to be South Africa's next President was finally dropped on Tuesday and ruling African National Congress strongman described them as a "conspiracy".
Prosecutors finally dropped the charges against him but said the withdrawal had nothing to do with Zuma's guilt or innocence. There was a conspiracy to deny him becoming the next president of the country, Zuma said.
"There was a conspiracy led by Ngcuka to find me guilty in a court of public opinion over the past eight years," said Zuma. The NPA had embarked on a number of illegal activities "in order to find me guilty for ever".
He made the claim when addressing a media conference here today soon after all the fraud and corruption charges against him were withdrawn by the Durban High Court.
The court decision follows the announcement yesterday by the National Prosecution Authority to drop the charges against Zuma.
Zuma accused the former head of the NPA, Bulelani Ngcuka, of leading the campaign against him when Ngcuka addressed a secret media conference of editors to target him.
"There was never a case against me. It was clearly a political and manipulative action to finish me. "My conscience is clear. I have not committed any crime against the people of South Africa and the Government."