Zuma's legal team blame state for latest delay
The multi-billion rand arms deal corruption trial against former President Jacob Zuma and French company Thales was postponed on Tuesday in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Judge Kate Pillay cancelled Zuma's warrant of arrest, which the court had issued in February when he failed to appear in court.
The court and the state accepted a letter provided by his lawyer, Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane,indicating that he was sick.
The matter has now been postponed to September 8 and all legal teams have been ordered to decide on a trial date.
ALSO READ: DA launches new campaign against Ekurhuleni power cuts
State prosecutor Billy Downer told the court the state was not ready to proceed due to lockdown- related delays.
He also blamed Zuma's defence for delaying the process by asking for legal documents.
Sikhakhane, however, was adamant that they are ready to defend Zuma and the state is delaying by blaming the lockdown.
He said the state has been painting an unfair narrative that Zuma is delaying the trial and wasting taxpayers' money.