Zuma announces anti-corruption probe

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s graft-tainted president Jacob Zuma on Tuesday announced a probe into corruption at the highest levels of the state after parliament indicated it would this week deliberate procedures for impeachment.

Corruption allegations have tarnished Zuma’s image as well as eroded his support base and he was ordered last month to appoint a judicial inquiry into the alleged graft within 30 days. The beleaguered leader has faced growing pressure to resign before his term as president ends in 2019.

Zuma’s announcement comes the day before parliament is to take up a draft of a process for removing the nation’s president from office. The Constitutional Court had ruled nearly two weeks ago that MPs failed to hold Zuma accountable for the millions in public money used to upgrade his personal residence.