[JURIST] The Durban High Court in South Africa [JURIST news archive] ruled [NPA press release] Monday that the country's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) [official website] can seek the release of documents that may be used to file additional corruption charges against former South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma [party profile; JURIST news archive]. The court specifically granted the NPA's application to request original documents seized by authorities in Mauritius [government website]. NPA officials have reportedly already received copies, but not originals, of the requested documents.

Zuma's corruption trial ended abruptly [JURIST report] in September when the high court judge presiding over the case threw out the charges [JURIST report], saying prosecutors had failed to follow proper procedures. Prosecutors did retain the right to refile the charges against Zuma at a later date. Zuma may still run against South African President Thabo Mbeki [BBC profile] in the 2009 presidential election. South Africa's Mail & Guardian has local coverage.