Jacob Zuma’s corruption case postponed to October

The fraud and corruption trial of former president Jacob Zuma and French arms company Thales has been postponed to October in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

The decades-old arms deal matter’s pending an application to the Constitutional Court to salvage Zuma’s failed special plea to have Billy Downer removed as the prosecutor.

The former head of state faces 16 counts of fraud, racketeering and money laundering charges. Zuma was not in court on Monday morning.

Judge Piet Koen says there’ll be no need for him to be present in October.

“The trial is adjourned to 17 October 2022 at a holding date pending the decision and respect of Mr Zuma’s application for leave to appeal to the constitutional court.

“The adjournment is granted on the basis that if the application for leave to appeal has been determined by 17 October 2022. The trial shall commence on 7 November 2022.”

The former president is facing charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering.