The South African judge who threw out corruption charges against ANC leader Jacob Zuma has granted prosecutors leave to appeal.
Judge Chris Nicholson last month dismissed the charges against Zuma citing high-level "political meddling" in the case.
"I have no difficulty in granting leave on the basis that I believe there are reasonable prospects of success on appeal," Mr Nicholson told the Durban High Court yesterday.
Mr Zuma is in the United States on his most high-profile visit since becoming head of the ANC. His lawyer declined to comment.
It was not clear when the appeal in South Africa' Supreme Court of Appeal would be heard.
Mr Nicholson's dismissal of bribery, fraud and other charges against Zuma had appeared to clear the way for him to become president after an election due next year, and prompted the ANC to force his rival Thabo Mbeki to resign.
Zuma loyalists have argued he was the victim of a political witch-hunt by Mr Mbeki, whose rivalry with Mr Zuma has deeply divided the African National Congress, the dominant force in South African politics since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Investors are worried Mr Zuma may bow to pressure from his leftist allies to steer Africa's biggest economy away from the pro-business policies championed by Mr Mbeki's administration, although the ANC leader has vowed continuity on economic policy.
Reuters