NKANDLA, South Africa, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- South African police Monday began a corruption probe of President Jacob Zuma.
Police confirmed they were investigating charges by South Africa's main opposition political party of publicly-funded renovations, costing $19 million, were completed at Zuma's rural home in KwaZulu-Natal province.
"The investigation in this regard has been initiated and no further information can be disclosed at this juncture as the matter is still sub judice (already before a court of law). Suffice to say that all processes have been followed," said a statement to Parliament by Police Minister Nathi Nhelko.
The investigation follows a report in March by Thuli Madonsela, the national corruption ombudsman, which said Zuma, 72, benefitted from the renovation of his home. Although Madonsela recommended Zuma repay the cost and a panel of lawmakers from his party absolved him of wrongdoing, opposition leader Mmusi Maimane, of the Democratic Alliance, filed eight corruption charges against Zuma.
At the time of the filing Maimane said, ""There can be no doubt that this Nkandla (Zuma's hometown) palace was built on corruption by the president for the president with our money."
Corruption charges against Zuma, relating to an arms sale, were dropped in 2009.