SA Judge grants prosecutors leave

A South African judge has granted prosecutors leave to appeal a decision to cancel corruption charges against the governing party leader Jacob Zuma.



Last month, Judge Chris Nicolson dismissed charges against Zuma and suggested that his rival, ex-President Thabo Mbeki, had interfered in the case.



In his ruling last month, Judge Nicolson said the prosecution should have consulted Zuma before renewing the charges, originally put on hold two years ago.



The ruling opened the way for the governing African National Congress to remove Mbeki as president.



Correspondents said the development is a legal setback for Zuma, who is favoured to become president after elections next year.