BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Zuma zeal over ruling

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17:58 GMT, Friday, 12 September 2008 18:58 UK

In pictures: Zuma zeal over ruling

A Jacob Zuma supporter holds a wooden machine gun with the words "I am ready to kill 4 Zuma" on it, outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

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Judge Chris Nicholson's ruling that a corruption case against South Africa's ruling party leader Jacob Zuma cannot go ahead was greeted by ecstatic scenes outside the Pietermaritzburg court on Friday.

A Jacob Zuma supporter burn incense outside he Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

A Jacob Zuma supporter burn incense outside he Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

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Thousands of his African National Congress (ANC) supporters had gathered outside the court, where they were singing, dancing and burning traditional incense.

Jacob Zuma supporters hold a night vigil outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Jacob Zuma supporters hold a night vigil outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

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On Thursday evening, some braved the wintry weather and took part in an all-night vigil outside the courthouse, chanting in Zulu "vuli ndlela", which loosely translates as "open the door".

Jacob Zuma supporters with posters outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Jacob Zuma supporters with posters outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

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And their hopes were realised - the Supreme Court's decision to drop the case seems to leave the way open for Mr Zuma to become president in national elections next year.

A Jacob Zuma supporter whistles outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

A Jacob Zuma supporter whistles outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

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Correspondents say prosecutors will come under huge pressure to drop the case altogether. After leaving court, Mr Zuma addressed the cheering crowds.

Jacob Zuma addresses the crowd outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Jacob Zuma addresses the crowd outside the Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

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He led them in his trademark anti-apartheid guerrilla song, "Umshini wami" (Bring Me My Machine-Gun) and said: "It is a victory for our democracy. It is a victory for our justice system."

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