Staff Reporter.
@TrevorSamson.
Former President Jacob Zuma is returning to the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.
Zuma and the French arms company Thales are accused of corruption, racketeering and money laundering linked to the arms deal.
It had been due to get underway on Monday last week but, instead, wound up being postponed again after the court heard Zuma planned on moving a special plea, challenging lead prosecutor state advocate Billy Downer’s title to prosecute and calling for his recusal.
It has since emerged that, if successful, Zuma will also be calling for his own acquittal. Zuma last week threatened to boycott the case.
Addressing his supporters outside court after proceedings, he was quoted as saying: “Should those responsible for applying the law fail to do the right thing, then I won’t go where they ask me to. And once I make the decision not to cooperate, no-one would convince me to change my mind.”
The charges against Zuma and Thales are expected to be put to them in court today and they, to tender pleas of either guilty or not guilty – with the court having heard last week Zuma would likely be opting for the latter.
The special plea he intends moving is also expected to be put on record today.
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Video Courtesy of ENCA.