Four MPs sustained minor injuries in clashes with riot police hours after parliament absolved President Jacob Zuma over the use of some $23m (£14m) of state money to upgrade his private home in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal province.
Opposition MP Ngwanamakwetle Mashabela, a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, called Mr Zuma “the greatest thief in the world” before police intervened. The four MPs were reportedly injured in the ensuing scuffle during the late-night Cape Town session.
In March, South Africa’s corruption investigator said Mr Zuma had “unduly benefited” from the lavish improvements. Public Protector Thuli Madonsela also accused him of unethical conduct and recommended he repay money used on non-security features in the renovation of his rural home, which include a swimming pool, cattle enclosure and chicken run.
But a parliamentary committee report – passed by a majority of African National Congress (ANC) MPs on Thursday – absolved Mr Zuma of any wrongdoing. The government has always argued that the work was needed to improve security.
