This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma, who ruled from 2009 to 2018, is facing 16 charges of corruption, fraud, and racketeering in connection with the purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats, and military equipment.
The charges stem from a $3.4-billion arms deal with French aerospace and defence giant Thales in 1999, when Zuma was deputy president. He allegedly took bribes of four million rand ($220,000 / 200,000 euros) in the deal.
On June 23, 2020, Judge Kate Pillay adjourned a pre-trial hearing in the 15-year-old case until September 8, when she hoped a date would be set for the trial's start.
"Hopefully the application will be launched and perhaps even heard, if an urgent date would be secured," Pillay said.
During the hearing, Pillay also cancelled the arrest warrant issued against Zuma in February after he failed to appear for a pre-trial hearing while undergoing medical treatment in Cuba.
Outside the High Court in Pietermaritzburg, Zuma's son Edward Zuma expressed concerns about his father's chances of a fair trial, saying, "I doubt that he will get a fair trial." He also claimed that the conspiracy against his father was not new and would continue until the desired outcome was achieved.
Zuma was forced to step down in 2018 by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) after a nine-year reign marked by corruption allegations and dwindling popularity.
