South African prosecutors have dropped charges against former minister Zizi Kodwa, officials announced Friday.
The decision comes after Kodwa was arrested in June during a significant state corruption investigation.
Kodwa, previously the minister of sports, arts, and culture, faced accusations of bribery.
He was alleged to have accepted 1.6 million rand, approximately $85,000, for contracts awarded by Johannesburg to improve metro software systems.
Prosecutors indicated that the charges were withdrawn due to diminished prospects for successful prosecution.
This decision also involves Jehan Mackay, a business associate arrested in connection with the same case.
Phindi Mjonondwane, a spokesperson for the national prosecuting authority, confirmed the withdrawal of charges.
“The prospects of a successful prosecution have diminished due to new developments,” Mjonondwane stated.
Kodwa welcomed the decision and expressed his desire to continue within the African National Congress (ANC).
He stated he was available for a new position within the party, which recently lost its parliamentary majority.
The ANC has faced increasing scrutiny over corruption allegations, particularly under former President Jacob Zuma.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Zuma’s recently formed party gained nearly 15 percent of the vote in the 2024 elections.
