Gauteng Premier Paul Mashatile said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must earn the ANC's respect by dropping the charges against party president Jacob Zuma, the SABC said on Sunday.

"Our president has always respected the laws of this country. When he was recalled to go to court, he did so. We urge the NPA that if they want to earn our respect, they must do the right thing... let them drop the charges tomorrow (Monday)," said Mashatile.

The NPA will announce on Monday how it intends to proceed with Zuma's corruption case. However, the Sunday Times reported on Sunday that Zuma had already been informed that the case against him would be dropped in a decision that reportedly divided the NPA.

The charges against Zuma, linked in part to the country's multi-billion rand arms deal, include one of racketeering, one of money-laundering, two of corruption and 12 of fraud.

Meanwhile, various political parties have come out strongly against this development.

"The NPA and the ANC have successfully raped the judicial system of the country," said United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa.

Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said if the NPA lets Zuma walk free, "the stink of what he's accused of will not go away".

Sapa

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