South Africa’s corruption watchdog has released the findings of a probe into corruption allegations against President Jacob Zuma. The investigation probed accusations that Zuma allowed a wealthy Indian business family to influence some cabinet post selections to benefit its own business interests.

The 355-page report provided evidence showing that David van Rooyen had visited the Johannesburg neighborhood, where the Guptas wealthy family lives, on the day before he was appointed finance minister.

It “brings to the notice of the National Prosecuting Authority… those matters identified in this report where it appears crimes have been committed,” the Public Protector said in the report. Zuma had sought to block the release of the report, but his lawyers surprisingly dropped the legal appeal earlier on Wednesday.

Prior to the release of the report, police engaged in clashes with protesters calling for Zuma’s resignation over what they called poor leadership. Police fired rubber bullets, stun grenades and water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters in the administrative capital of Pretoria, including outside Zuma’s offices, and other cities.

The demonstrators carried signs that read “Zuma Must Go!” and chanted slogans against the 74-year-old leader. Separate rallies were also held in Pretoria by the two biggest opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters.

Presstv