Lungani Zungu
Zuma’s lawyers are expected to apply for yet another postponement of Jacob Zuma’s Arms Deal corruption trial on Tuesday.
Zuma was released last week Friday to a military hospital for a “routine check-up” but has not been discharged since.
He is serving a 15-month jail sentence at the Estcourt prison after he was jailed for defying two court orders to appear at the state capture commission of inquiry chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said Zuma’s legal team planned to make an application for postponement virtually.
“Unfortunately, there will be a postponement as our team is ready to argue the special plea as planned but these are circumstances beyond our control,” said Mhaga.
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that Zuma was still in hospital.
Zuma, who was the country’s president from 2009 to 2018, is accused of receiving an annual bribe of R500,000 from French arms dealer Thales, formerly Thompson CFS, for protection from future prosecution.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.
Security will be tight outside the Pietermaritzburg High court with the heavy presence of soldiers and police.
On the other hand, Zuma’s loyal backer, the suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, is also going back to the Bloemfontein High Court on Wednesday concerning the R255 million asbestos tender that was issued when he was still premier of the Free State.
The police have said that no breaking of the lockdown regulations will be tolerated.
