[JURIST] South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) [official website] Friday served an indictment on politician Jacob Zuma [BBC profile; JURIST news archive], charging him with corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering. His trial is scheduled to begin in August. Earlier this month, Zuma was elected leader of the ruling African National Congress [party website], putting him in position to become the country's next president. Zuma's supporters have dismissed the charges [JURIST report] as politically motivated.

Zuma has been facing corruption allegations [BBC timeline] and other charges for several years; he was first charged with corruption in 2005, but those charges were later dismissed [JURIST report] because prosecutors failed to follow proper procedures. Zuma was also charged with rape in late 2005 and was acquitted at trial in April 2006. Prosecutors have not provided details about the current charges, but they are believed to be connected to bribe money Zuma allegedly received from Thint, a French arms manufacturer. AP has more. Reuters has additional coverage. From South Africa, the Times has local coverage.