A South African court today upheld an appeal of a lower court against a ruling preventing the state from using documents seized from former deputy president Jacob Zuma.
The ruling could clear the way for prosecutors to recharge Mr Zuma, a candidate for the leadership of the ruling African National Congress, with fraud and bribery in connection with an arms deal.
Prosecutors said they were "very pleased" with the ruling.
Mr Zuma, who enjoys massive public support despite becoming involved in a number of controversies, hopes to replace President Thabo Mbeki at the next general election.
But he was sacked from the government and resigned as a member of parliament two years ago despite being acquitted of corruption over the state purchase of naval patrol frigates.
The case against Mr Zuma was dropped after the prosecutor at the time said there was evidence of corruption but that it was insufficient to secure a conviction.
A businessman at the centre of the controversy was sentenced to 15 years in jail.