Ex-S. African president’s son charged with corruption

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Former South African President Jacob Zuma's son was charged Monday with corruption by a Johannesburg court and released on a 100,000-rand ($7,500) bail.

Duduzane Zuma, 34, a business partner of the wealthy Gupta Indian family, is accused of influencing Zuma for government contracts and attempting to bribe a former deputy finance minister in 2016 with 600 million rands ($44.6 million).

His partner, Ajay Gupta, allegedly used him to convince the deputy minister to take the money so that he could be promoted to finance minister and give them lucrative contracts. They both reject the charges.

Duduzane Zuma, who left the country in February following the forced resignation of his father by his ruling African National Congress (ANC), was asked to surrender his passport as one of the bail conditions.

Jacob Zuma, 76, is currently facing several corruption charges from a government procurement deal dating back to the 90s. He has appeared in court twice since leaving office.

The Guptas who fled South Africa after Zuma's resignation wielded alot of support during his rule.