The corruption case against former President Jacob Zuma has been postponed to 30 November.
Jacob Zuma was his usual charismatic-self when he addressed his supporters outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday, where he appeared over corruption, money laundering and racketeering charges.
The former president thanked his backers and also acknowledged the scores of people who had filled up Freedom Park, near the courthouse, to show their support in song and dance.
“I know it was cold last night, but you were here to show that you will protect anyone. I am strong. You can see that. I am not weak. You can see that I am really strong.” Zuma said.
Zuma faces 16 charges relating to 783 questionable payments he allegedly received when he was still deputy president to influence the outcome of a deal with French arms manufacturer, Thales. Zuma’s new legal team, led by Lungisani Daniel Mantsha, plans to make submissions, motivating why the case should be thrown out of court.
Meanwhile The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined the application to withdraw charges against the company on Wednesday. Thales had made representations to the NPA, asking it to review its decision to prosecute the arms manufacturer for corruption, however the State’s Advocate Billy Downer told the court that they’re considering bringing another charge against them. The company said that while it noted the NPA’s decision, it doubts it will be subjected to a fair trial.
“Bearing in mind the very long delay of this procedure – through no fault of Thales at all – together with a range of factors beyond its control, Thales believes it cannot obtain a fair trial, as it is entitled to under the South African Constitution and international law,” Thales said in a statement.
Zuma is set to appear before the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 30 November.
Thabo Baloyi
t.baloyi@politicalanalysis.co.za
