[JURIST] The much-anticipated trial of former South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma [party profile] ended abruptly Wednesday, when the high court judge presiding over the case threw out the corruption charges [JURIST report] against Zuma, saying prosecutors had failed to follow proper procedures. Prosecutors still retain the right to refile the charges against Zuma at a later date, as the judge did dismiss the entire case, which has already been postponed twice [JURIST report].

Zuma, who remains deputy president of South Africa's ruling African National Congress [party website], has indicated repeatedly that he intends to run against South African President Thabo Mbeki [BBC profile] in the 2009 presidential election, and observers have suggested that Wednesday's ruling helps his chances in that vote. Reuters has more. From South Africa, the Mail & Guardian has local coverage.