File photo of South Africa former deputy president Jacob Zuma.  (Xinhua/AFP photo)

    JOHANNESBURG, June 20 (Xinhuanet) -- South Africa national prosecuting authority announced on Monday it plans to proceed with criminal charges against former deputy president Jacob Zuma for two counts of corruption.

    "This afternoon advocate (Vusi) Pikoli informed deputy president (Jacob) Zuma that he has decided to bring criminal charges against his person," NPA spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi saidin Pretoria.

    "Mr Zuma will in due course be informed of the date, time and place where he will have to avail himself at court to face these charges," Nkosi said.

    Zuma would not be physically arrested, but would be ordered to appear in court later this week in Durban.

    The charges were informed by Judge Hilary Squires's finding that Durban businessman Schabir Shaik was guilty on charges of fraud and corruption. Shaik acted as Zuma's financial adviser and was sentenced 15 years in jail.

    Last week South African President Thabo Mbeki announced that Zuma had been "released" from his post of deputy president.

    In a prepared statement Nkosi said, "Justice Squires made adverse remarks on the nature of the relationship between Shaik and Zuma."

    "Taking into consideration all evidence at its disposal, the NPA is of the view that there is a reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution," he added.

    The matter had been thoroughly discussed between (NPA head) Pikoli and the team that investigated and prosecuted Shaik, Nkosi said. Enditem