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As for today’s court proceedings, the state and the defendants are expected to finalize pre-trial matters.
The NPA team led by Adv. Billy Downer in Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court on December 8, 2020 for the case against former President Jacob Zuma and Thales. Image: Nkosikhona Duma / EWN.
PIETERMARITZBURG – There is a heavy police presence in front of the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday morning, where the corruption case against former President Jacob Zuma and the French arms company Thales will be heard.
Zuma and Thales face charges of money laundering, corruption and organized crime linked to the arms business.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, mini-rallies that often take place during the former president’s court appearances will not be allowed.
READ: Gun Deal: Zuma and Thales Return to Court to Resolve Pretrial Issues
Law enforcement authorities are taking no chances and are stationed throughout the Pietermaritzburg courthouse this morning to avoid potential security concerns.
Zuma supporters generally gather outside of court at this time during their court appearances, but today that is not the case.
It is not yet clear if the former president will be physically in court, however, his caravan has yet to be seen here.
READ ALSO: Jacob Zuma Foundation accuses the State of violating the rights of the former president
As for today’s court proceedings, the state and the defendants are expected to finalize pre-trial matters.
The state and Thales have indicated that they prefer the trial to begin on May 17.
Meanwhile, the Jacob Zuma Foundation has asserted that the State was not prepared to proceed with the case, an allegation that the NPA has denied.
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