South Africa: President Jacob Zuma Pulls Bid to Block Corruption Report.

Opposition parties called protests at Zuma's attempt to block investigation into Gupta family.

South African President Jacob Zuma has withdrawn his court application to block the publication of a report by the country’s anti-corruption tsar. Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Pretoria to protest his attempt to stifle the report, and demand the president resign.

Zuma had applied to stop the publication of a report by Thuli Madonsela, who recently left the independent watchdog post of public protector. The report investigated Zuma’s relationship with the Guptas, a wealthy business family accused of wielding undue political influence.

Zuma’s lawyer informed the High Court in Pretoria of the decision on Wednesday without giving reasons for the withdrawal, the BBC reported. The hearing of the president’s application began on Tuesday and was due to continue on Wednesday.

An opposition-led march through Pretoria is going ahead despite the withdrawal. Supporters of both the main opposition, Democratic Alliance, and the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters met at different points in the city and began marching towards the court. Both parties opposed Zuma’s attempts to block the report’s publication.

By Conor Gaffey.

Full story at Newsweek.