/ 4 April 2005

Shaik trial resumes in Durban

The Schabir Shaik fraud and corruption trial resumes in the Durban High Court on Monday.

Shaik’s instructing attorney, Reeves Parsee, said the defence will call a further two, or possibly three, witnesses but remained tight-lipped about who they will be.

According to prosecutor Billy Downer, SC, the state will also apply to call two more witnesses.

Downer said once all the witnesses have been called, the case will be adjourned until April 18 for argument and judgement.

Shaik, a Durban-based businessman, is accused of facilitating a bribe of R500 000 a year for his long-time friend, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, from the French arms company Thomson CSF.

This was allegedly in exchange for protection during irregularities in South Africa’s multibillion-rand arms deal.

Shaik is also accused of bankrolling Zuma’s lavish lifestyle to the tune of R1,2-million in exchange for using Zuma’s influence to his benefit. — Sapa