Riyaz Patel
Former President Jacob Zuma has lost his appeal against a high court decision to deny him a permanent stay of prosecution on charges related to the multi-billion dollar arms deal
The Pietermaritzburg High Court dismissed the application with costs.
Zuma, together with French arms dealer Thales, had applied for a permanent stay of prosecution for alleged fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to a deal to buy European military hardware for South Africa’s armed forces in the 90s.
This means that the corruption trial linked to the multi-billion rand arms deal will likely proceed in 2020.
Zuma has been accused of using delaying tactics to avoid prosecution in the case.
Zuma’s lawyer Muzi Sikhakhane argued that there had been political interference in the matter, and that the former president will be prejudiced if the case proceeds.
The former president’s counsel further argued that there have been too many delays and therefore the case should be dismissed, a charge dismissed by the prosecution.
