NPA: Postponement looming for Zuma’s corruption trail
Former president Jacob Zuma's corruption case is set to be heard for the first time this year, but the prosecuting authority is already predicting that a postponement might be on the cards.
Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Bulelwa Makeke says its highly likely that there will be a postponement when Zuma is due to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday.
This after he's application for a permanent stay of prosecution was denied.
Zuma believes he will not receive a fair trial based on an unreasonable delay in the commencement of proceedings.
He has conveyed his intention to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal if the trail goes ahead.
ALSO READ: Subpoena issued over ‘theft’ of Pierneef painting from Magashule’s office
The 77-year-old’s testimony at the commission of inquiry into state capture was also postponed due to health reasons.
His lawyers told commission’s chair, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, that he will be undergoing intense medical treatment overseas and won’t be available before March.
Zuma and French weapons manufacturer Thales are facing charges of corruption, fraud and racketeering linked to the country’s multi-billion rand arms deal.