NPA postpones Zuma trial, slaps former president with ‘inquiry’
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has postponed former president Jacob Zuma's corruption trial to June to allow for inquiry into his failure to appear in court.
The case was postponed to June 23 on Wednesday.
He is facing 16 counts of fraud and money laundering, alongside French company Thales, in connection with the controversial multi-billion rand arms deal.
In a statement the NPA said the case was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, to allow for Thales’ application to the Constitutional Court, as well as the ‘inquiry’ into Zuma’s failure to appear in court in February.
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Zuma cited ill-health as the reason for his no-show, but the court was unconvinced and issues a stayed warrant of arrest for the former president.
Zuma's lawyers claimed he was ill and receiving treatment abroad.
The inquiry will look into the validity of the sick note provided by Zuma’s legal team and whether it constituted a sound reason for his non-appearance.
Zuma could be convicted to a fine not exceeding R300 or three months behind bars if the inquiry finds against him.