Jacob Zuma

Jacob Zuma is on a roll. He took control of South Africa's ruling African National Congress late last year. He's now the man most likely to become the country's next president.

But Jacob Zuma has a problem. Prosecutors say he's corrupt. They've charged him with racketeering, fraud, money laundering and corruption. Mr Zuma says he's innocent. The allegations are old. He says the charges are part of a political conspiracy directed from the office of South Africa's current president, Thabo Mbeki.

Mr Zuma's legal advisor has told the BBC he will call Mr Mbeki to testify if the case goes to trial as planned in August. But Mr Zuma will first try to throw out evidence gathered in recent raids. South Africa's Constitutional Court will hear those arguments on March 11. Martin Plaut travelled to Johannesburg and Cape Town to investigate the truth and rumours surrounding the case.



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