Zuma corruption case postponed to June 8

6th April 2018 By: African News Agency

Zuma corruption case postponed to June 8

Former President Jacob Zuma
Photo by: Reuters

Judge Themba Sishi on Friday agreed to a postponement of former president Jacob Zuma's corruption trial to June 8, in the Durban High Court.

"This matter is adjourned to the 8th of June, 2018, which is a provisional date and the two accused before court, having been summoned to appear before this court, are released on warning," Sishi said.

Earlier, senior State prosecutor Billy Downer told the court the reason for the adjournment was "twofold" -- Zuma wanted to firstly bring a review application and hoped to finalise the review papers by May 15. Zuma may also apply for a stay of prosecution, said Downer.

Accused number two, arms manufacturer Thales South Africa also intended to make representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions on why it should not be prosecuted.

Zuma faces 16 charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and racketeering involving 783 illicit payments related to South Africa's controversial arms deal.