* Special Investigating Unit head resigns after 2 weeks
* Appointment drew criticism that Zuma was promoting allies
* Latest in series of high-profile departures
(Adds comment from Mbeki’s office)
By Marius Bosch
JOHANNESBURG, Dec 15 (Reuters) – The head of one of
South Africa’s top anti-corruption agencies, widely seen as an
ally of President Jacob Zuma, has resigned after only two weeks
in the job, the latest in a series of high-profile departures.
Opponents had accused Zuma of encroaching on the judiciary’s
independence by naming Willem Heath, his former legal adviser,
to lead the Special Investigating Unit.
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe told Talk Radio 702’s
Eyewitness News on Thursday that Heath, a former judge, tendered
his resignation after an investigation into comments he made
about former president Thabo Mbeki to a newspaper.
“It became very clear that the utterances of Advocate Heath
had created a perception, rightly or wrongly, that he cannot be
independent in terms of helping the Special Investigating Unit,”
Radebe said, adding that Zuma saw the comments as a serious
matter.
Heath suggested in the interview that Mbeki had been behind
rape and corruption charges laid against Zuma. Mbeki’s office
said Heath’s claims were untrue and malicious.
Continued…
