Zuma wanted to prove his innocence in court

Over the weekend the public prosecutor decided to drop charges against the deputy president himself, saying there was not enough evidence to prosecute.

But businessman Schabir Shaik came out fighting after his court appearance in the port city of Durban on charges of corruption, fraud and money-laundering.

"We are dealing with enemy agents within our government," he said, promising to reveal all he knew to prove his innocence.

'Trial by media'

Jacob Zuma was alleged to have solicited a $68,000 bribe from a French company which won a lucrative contract in the multi-billion dollar deal to buy weapons for South Africa's army and navy.

Some observers say the allegations against Mr Zuma and his aide are politically motivated, ahead of next year's general election.

Zuma (l) is seen as a front-runner in the race to succeed Mbeki (r)

Mr Zuma himself is unhappy that the case against him has been dropped.

He says that he has effectively been tried by the media and says he will not now have a chance to clear his name.

The public prosecutor said there was not enough evidence to be sure of winning a case against Mr Zuma.

The BBC's Hilary Andersson in Johannesburg says that the ANC and Mr Zuma himself have taken a blow at a time when petty corruption in particular is creeping into many aspects of public life in South Africa.

The opposition Democratic Alliance has called for the resignation of Mr Zuma, who is a long time friend of President Thabo Mbeki and a man billed as his possible successor.

The saga may not yet be over - a case against Mr Zuma could be reinstated if new evidence against him emerges.