Former deputy president Jacob Zuma hoped for a speedy trial in which he was allowed to properly present his case in court, he said on Wednesday.
”The day the state has decided to prosecute me in a proper forum has finally arrived,” Zuma told reporters in Durban.
”I trust that the media and others alike will respect the process and allow me an opportunity to properly present my case in court free from undue influence and conjuncture.”
Zuma, who was fired by President Thabo Mbeki on June 14, welcomed an announcement by the National Prosecuting Authority a few days later that it would proceed with criminal charges against him.
Zuma said people were angry at the way he had been treated in the last five years.
”I think the anger has been basically due to the manner in which the last half decade this matter has been handled. People of this country understand that people must be protected by the Constitution. They feel that something went amiss in that one.
”For a period of five years my person has been subjected to all types of allegations and innuendo, paraded through the media and other corridors of influence without these allegations having being tested. I have thereby been denied my Constitutional right to reply and defend myself. I trust that my right to a speedy trial will be observed.”
Asked whether he had considered starting his own political party, as suggested by some of his broad church of supporters, Zuma said: ”I am sure that is an expression of anger.”
Zuma thanked the prosecution for dealing with him in a professional manner.
”I acknowledge the prosecution for the professional manner in which they have thus far interacted with both myself and my legal representatives,” he said.
The case against former deputy president Jacob Zuma was postponed to October 11 by the Durban Magistrate’s court on Wednesday. He was granted bail of R1 000.
”This case is postponed to October 11, 2005, you are to pay bail of R1 000. The conditions are that witnesses are not to be interfered with directly or indirectly,” Magistrate TS Ngcube said.
Zuma will not have to hand in his passport but will have to inform the prosecution every time he leaves the country.
He faces two charges of corruption.
Former judge to act as legal adviser
On Monday, the former head of the Special Investigation Unit, former judge Willem Heath, announced that he would act as a legal adviser to Zuma in his trial.
Zuma prevented Heath from being part of an investigation into allegations of corruption regarding the arms acquisition.
Heath said he would not be part of the team representing Zuma in court.
”I agreed to accept a brief as legal counsel to advise him on the merits of the corruption charges which may be brought against him.
”I will not be part of the legal team, which will represent him in any criminal trial which may be brought against him.” -Sapa