South African police sealed off several blocks around the court
buildings in the eastern town of Pietermaritzburg today where
former Deputy President Jacob Zuma is due to go on trial for
corruption.
About 400 Zuma supporters gathered next to the wire barricades outside the court today, singing and dancing and watched over by a few dozen police. The case is due to get under way at about 9 a.m. local time in Pietermaritzburg High Court.
“They have got no evidence,” said 24-year-old Sipho Zuma, no relation to the former deputy president, who spent the night outside the courtroom. “They just want to prevent him from being president.”
He wore a red T-shirt with the politician's picture, bearing the words “Justice delayed is justice denied. Drop all charges against Jacob Zuma.”
Zuma, 64, stands accused of trying to secure a bribe from Thint Ltd., the local unit of Thales SA, Europe's biggest military electronics maker, in exchange for helping it win government arms contracts. Zuma, a leading contender to succeed Thabo Mbeki as president in 2009, denies any wrongdoing, and says the charges are politically motivated.
South Africa's ruling African National Congress will chose a new leader in December next year, and the winner is likely to become president of the nation when Mbeki steps down after a maximum two terms in 2009. The outcome of the case may determine whether Zuma, who has the backing of many labour unionists, remains in the running.
Addressing a South African Communist Party rally in Pietermaritzburg yesterday, Zuma called for unity within the ANC and for its members to “ensure that those who are corrupt are uprooted from our movement”.
The Durban High Court on June 2 ruled that Schabir Shaik, Zuma's adviser, tried to solicit a bribe for Zuma in exchange for political support to win weapons contracts. Mbeki fired Zuma on June 14, saying the trial raised “questions of conduct that would be inconsistent with expectations that attend those who hold public office”. Zuma remains deputy president of the ANC. Thint is a co-accused in his trial.
Prosecutors will today ask the court to delay the case until next year because they need more time to investigate. Zuma will oppose any delay, his lawyer Michael Hulley said in an interview on July 28.
About 400 Zuma supporters gathered next to the wire barricades outside the court today, singing and dancing and watched over by a few dozen police. The case is due to get under way at about 9 a.m. local time in Pietermaritzburg High Court.
“They have got no evidence,” said 24-year-old Sipho Zuma, no relation to the former deputy president, who spent the night outside the courtroom. “They just want to prevent him from being president.”
He wore a red T-shirt with the politician's picture, bearing the words “Justice delayed is justice denied. Drop all charges against Jacob Zuma.”
Zuma, 64, stands accused of trying to secure a bribe from Thint Ltd., the local unit of Thales SA, Europe's biggest military electronics maker, in exchange for helping it win government arms contracts. Zuma, a leading contender to succeed Thabo Mbeki as president in 2009, denies any wrongdoing, and says the charges are politically motivated.
South Africa's ruling African National Congress will chose a new leader in December next year, and the winner is likely to become president of the nation when Mbeki steps down after a maximum two terms in 2009. The outcome of the case may determine whether Zuma, who has the backing of many labour unionists, remains in the running.
Addressing a South African Communist Party rally in Pietermaritzburg yesterday, Zuma called for unity within the ANC and for its members to “ensure that those who are corrupt are uprooted from our movement”.
The Durban High Court on June 2 ruled that Schabir Shaik, Zuma's adviser, tried to solicit a bribe for Zuma in exchange for political support to win weapons contracts. Mbeki fired Zuma on June 14, saying the trial raised “questions of conduct that would be inconsistent with expectations that attend those who hold public office”. Zuma remains deputy president of the ANC. Thint is a co-accused in his trial.
Prosecutors will today ask the court to delay the case until next year because they need more time to investigate. Zuma will oppose any delay, his lawyer Michael Hulley said in an interview on July 28.
Advertisement
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
