South Africa's highest court today rejected ruling ANC party leader Jacob Zuma's attempt to stop seized evidence being used against him in a corruption trial.
Mr Zuma's battle against the charges is likely to decide whether the African National Congress leader takes over from President Thabo Mbeki next year, when he has to step down.
Nine of the 10 judges on the Constitutional Court said warrants used in raids on Mr Zuma and his lawyer were valid and the state could use seized documents in its prosecution.
In another blow to Mr Zuma, the court cleared the way for the use of a diary and other documents from Mauritius in the trial. Mr Zuma had tried to block the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) from obtaining the documents.
"We are certainly very pleased with the outcome today," NPA spokesman Tlali Tlali said after the ruling by the court in Johannesburg. "The NPA is court ready."
Mr Zuma is accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from a French arms firm. He denies the charges and is expected to go on trial this year for corruption, money-laundering, fraud and racketeering.
His supporters have repeatedly branded the case against Mr Zuma a conspiracy by loyalists of Mr Mbeki. They say state organs were used to smear Mr Zuma and derail his political ambitions.
The ANC said it respected the Constitutional Court ruling but remained disturbed by aspects of the investigation.
"The ANC reiterates its view that the manner in which this case has been handled by the authorities over the last few years has reinforced the perception that the ANC President is being persecuted rather than merely prosecuted," it said.
"It has also fuelled doubts about his chances of receiving a fair hearing."