Despite telling the Pietermaritzburg High Court almost two weeks ago that it is finally ready to prosecute former president Jacob Zuma, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is mum on the number of witnesses it has lined up for the case.
Appearing for the state, Advocate Billy Downer SC (Senior Counsel) told the court that they were ready to proceed with the case but they have to wait for Zuma’s appeal after a failed permanent stay of prosecution. In court, the state said it was ready for the trial. Zuma’s legal team told the court it was ready and it was pleased that the state was finally ready after years of delays.
Zuma, who faces charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering, was first charged in 2005. That was immediately after the conviction of his former financial advisor Schabir Shaik who was fingered as the man behind facilitating Zuma’s bribes from French arms firm, Thales. Thales was one of the major beneficiaries of the R30 billion Arms Deal of 1999.
As part of Zuma’s bid to overturn the October 11 ruling which said he must face the rap for the alleged corruption, he would have to file his court papers by November 1 this year and the arguments for the appeal would be heard on November 22. The state has set February 4, 2020 as the holding date for the trial, which means that should Zuma’s appeal falls away, the case would be heard on that day.
In other news – Qwabe Twins #IdolsSA exit – Their Dad reveals why he pulled Viggy out
VIGGY MADE it to the Top Five and Virginia didn’t – but neither of them will still be on the show. Idols is rigged and I advised Viggy to withdraw,” said their angry father.
I DON’T WANT MY GIRLS TO GET HURT!” ON Sunday, Virginia didn’t get enough votes to keep her in the SA Idols season 15 but after the live show, Viggy decided to follow her sister and dump the competition! Read more
Source: IOL
