Former president Jacob Zuma has appealed a court decision to try him for corruption, a judicial spokesperson said Sunday, delaying yet again his long-awaited date with justice.
Zuma is alleged to have taken bribes during a 1990s arms deal with five European companies, including the French defence group Thales.
If the trial takes place, it would be the first time Zuma faces a court on graft charges, despite a string of accusations over his long political career.
But in the latest twist to a 15-year-old judicial saga, prosecution spokesperson Natasha Kara told AFP: “I can confirm that Mr. Zuma has indeed filed the application for leave to appeal on Friday.”
That was the last day on which Zuma could have appealed an October 15 court rejection of his request to have 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering dismissed.
Zuma was forced to resign as president last year by the ANC after a nine-year reign marred by corruption allegations and dwindling popularity.
He is accused of taking bribes worth R4m when he was deputy president from a R51bn arms purchase.
