/ 26 September 2005

Zuma lawyers to challenge raids by Scorpions

Lawyers for former deputy president Jacob Zuma will this week challenge the recent

search and seizure operations by the National Prosecuting Authority, Business Day reported on Monday.

It said an application for the return of material taken in the raids on properties linked to the former deputy president would be launched in the Durban High court on Tuesday.

Michael Hulley, Zuma’s lawyer, said he would demand the return of all documents and other evidence seized in the raids.

This and other recent court challenges to the raids by the NPA have delayed the investigation against Zuma.

Business Day said it was understood that the prosecution would ask for a postponement when Zuma appeared in court on corruption charges next month.

Indications were that Zuma’s trial was unlikely to start until March next year.

The prosecuting authority’s initial estimate was that Zuma would be presented with a complete charge sheet when he appeared in court on October 11. – Sapa