Former President Jacob Zuma corruption trial postponed to 26 May

The trial against former President Jacob Zuma and French arms company Thales has been postponed to the 26th of May 2021.

It is expected that on that day, Zuma’s “not guilty” plea will be formally recorded.

Prosecutor
Advocate Billy Downer told the Pietermaritzburg High Court that he was
informed by Zuma’s legal representative Advocate Thabani Masuku, that
there would be an application for his recusal.Earlier, Judge Piet Koen granted Zuma’s former lawyer Eric Mabuza leave to withdraw from the trial.

Zuma and Thales face corruption, racketeering and money laundering charges linked to the arms deal.

All
parties have indicated their readiness to proceed with the trial, with
Zuma’s new legal representative Advocate Thabani Masuku emphasising that
the former president has always been ready.