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Zuma cool on corruption threat

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  • Prosecutor says he has enough evidence to charge Jacob Zuma with corruption
  • Zuma elected leader of South Africa's African National Congress on Tuesday
  • Zuma has faced corruption allegations for years; his supporters say he is innocent
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POLOKWANE, South Africa (CNN) -- Two days after he was elected leader of the African National Congress, Jacob Zuma brushed aside a threat by South Africa's chief prosecutor to charge him with corruption.

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Newly-elected ANC leader Jacob Zuma is congratuled by outgoing president Thabo Mbeki.

Asked by reporters about the threat of the charge, Zuma said, "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

South Africa's top prosecutor said Thursday he has enough evidence to charge Zuma with corruption, after years of allegations.

Mokotedi Mpshe, the acting director of National Prosecutions, told local station Talk Radio 702: "All we are doing now is to tie the loose ends. But the investigation is complete and the investigation, with the evidence that we have now, points to a case that can be taken to court."

Zuma, 65, has for years faced corruption allegations which center on an alleged payment Zuma received from his financial adviser, guaranteeing protection in any government investigation into an arms deal. Zuma was deputy president at the time.

The adviser, Schabir Shaik, was found guilty in 2005 of bribing Zuma and sentenced to 15 years in prison. President Thabo Mbeki sacked Zuma as vice president after the verdict.

Thursday's legal developments may overshadow Zuma's election this week as party leader, though Zuma's camp said they firmly believe he is innocent. Video See Zuma's supporter's celebrate his election as ANC president »

Zuma's new position as head of the party threatens Mbeki's position as head of the country, and there was speculation that the prosecutor's announcement may have been Mbeki's way of proving he still holds power. Learn more about Zuma »

Although Mbeki -- in charge since 1999 -- can stay on as president until his term finishes in 2009, analysts say it would be difficult for him to do so if he lost his party's backing.

But in his victory speech Thursday, made on the last day of the ANC party conference in Polokwane, north of Johannesburg, Zuma appeared to downplay any suggestion of rivalry, referring to Mbeki as "a comrade, friend and brother."

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He added, "I must confess I never thought that the two of us would one day compete for the same position in the ANC! However, contesting positions does not make us enemies."

Zuma's rise to victory this week has highlighted his immense popular appeal in contrast to Mbeki, whom many party faithful consider autocratic and aloof. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

CNN's Robyn Curnow contributed to this report.

All About Thabo MbekiJacob ZumaAfrican National CongressNelson Mandela

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