Court dismisses application by Thales in arms deal case
The High Court in Pietermaritzburg has dismissed the application by French weapons manufacturer, Thales, to have racketeering charges dropped.
Thales challenged the charges brought by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the case in which former President Jacob Zuma has also been charged.
The French arms company argued that there wasn't sufficient evidence proving its involvement in the alleged corrupt relationship between Zuma and Thales former financial advisor Schabir Shaik.
However, the court dismissed the application – with costs – on Friday morning, paving the way for the trial to finally get underway.
In a short statement, the NPA says it is looking" forward to the criminal hearing".
"The NPA welcomes the decision of the High Court of South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal Division, Pietermaritzburg to dismiss the application of the French arms company Thales, challenging racketeering charges against it".
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The matter against Zuma and Thales has been postponed several times due to an application by Zuma and then the Thales application.
In the case, Zuma stands accused of pocketing bribes during the 1998-1999 procurement of arms.
He denies the charges against him and maintains that they are politically-motivated.
The criminal case is expected to commence on 23 February.
