A South African high court judge has dismissed an application by former President Jacob Zuma to end his graft trial, paving the way for the case to proceed. Zuma, along with French company Thales, faces charges including corruption, money-laundering, and racketeering related to a 1999 multibillion-rand arms deal. The two had sought to have the charges dropped, citing repeated delays and the death of two witnesses, which they claimed had irreparably prejudiced their right to a fair trial.
However, the judge ruled that the state had argued that the delays were largely caused by Zuma and, to a lesser extent, Thales. The case has been ongoing for over a decade, with numerous postponements, legal challenges, and procedural disputes. The state declared itself trial-ready four years ago, but the case has been delayed by Zuma’s repeated attempts to force the removal of key prosecutor Billy Downer. Zuma’s legal team had argued that Downer lacked the independence and impartiality required for the prosecution.
Zuma’s charges stem from his alleged corrupt relationship with his former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, who was found guilty in 2005 of corruption and fraud. The judge in Shaik’s case said there was “overwhelming” evidence of a corrupt relationship between the two men. Zuma faces 18 charges, including fraud and tax evasion.
The corruption case against Zuma and Thales has been postponed to December 4, when the state will apply for the trial to proceed, regardless of any appeals launched by either party. This development brings the long-running case one step closer to trial, despite Zuma’s efforts to have it dismissed.
The case has significant implications for Zuma’s legacy and the country’s fight against corruption. The outcome will be closely watched, given Zuma’s prominent role in South African politics and the seriousness of the charges against him.
Jacob Zuma story is a tale of throne to trial.