Mr Ngcuka was accused, among other things, of fathering a child with a teenager, using his position to improperly acquire a luxury car, and then, of being an apartheid spy.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Profile: South Africa's crime-buster

His wife, the powerful Minister of Minerals and Energy, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, has rallied to his defence, saying that she and her husband have more important work to do, serving the people of South Africa, rather than wasting time on mudslinging with comrades.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Profile: South Africa's crime-buster

Mr Ngcuka is used to coming under attack, but he unleashed a veritable war within the African National Congress when he pronounced that there was enough prima facie evidence to pursue a case against Deputy President Jacob Zuma in connection with allegations of bribery linked to the government's arms procurement deal, but not enough evidence to secure a conviction in court.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Profile: South Africa's crime-buster