The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Johannesburg, Advocate Andrew Chauke, announced on Friday the decision to withdraw corruption charges against the former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa and businessman Jehan Mackay.

Kodwa, also a former Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, was implicated in the State Capture Commission of Inquiry for allegedly receiving a R1.7-million bribe from an executive of a local technology company, which received government tenders.

Kodwa was arrested, along with Mackay in July.

Chauke said the decision to abandon the prosecution was made following successful representations made by Kodwa and Mackay, evidential material in the case docket and reports from the prosecutor and regional head of the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit, as well as consultation with the Investigating Officer.

He noted Part 6 of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA's) Prosecution Policy Directives, which he said makes provision for the process of representations where an accused person may request the reviewal of a decision to institute a prosecution as an available remedy of recourse, wherein the accused is granted an opportunity to tender their version of events.

“The DPP was duty bound to consider that the prospects of a successful prosecution have diminished, owing to the change in circumstances, brought about by new developments that came to light, despite an initial decision to institute a prosecution,” Chauke said.