The ANC's presidential candidate Jacob Zuma will emerge from the forthcoming election with a criminal prosecution hanging over his head after the Pietermaritzburg High Court provisionally set his trial down for August 25.

On the same day the ruling party's leader was expected to apply for a permanent stay of prosecution.

Senior counsel for arms company Thint, Michael Collins, said the arms company would return to the court on June 24 for their own permanent stay of prosecution application.

Two corporate entities were implicated in the state's investigation.

The plan was to consolidate the two sets of charges into one.

After Judge Leona Theron handed down her decision, Zuma left the court quietly after a quick smile at Thint boss Pierre Moynot, who had joined him in the dock.

Zuma was expected to address supporters in the nearby Freedom Square in a party rally ahead of the upcoming elections.