Jacob Zuma’s two co-accused — the two South African subsidiaries of French arms manufacturer Thales International — are not making any plans to go to court before the August date set by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Ajay Sooklal, the attorney representing Thint Holding (Southern Africa) and Thint said on Tuesday there were no plans to go to court before August 4.
On December 27, the National Prosecuting Authority lodged an indictment in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
African National Congress president Jacob Zuma faces 16 charges — one count of racketeering, two counts of corruption, one count of money laundering and 12 counts of fraud.
The two Thint companies each face a charge of racketeering, money laundering and two counts of corruption.
”We will meet them [the NPA] on the 4th of August,” said Sooklal.
Asked if Thint would possibly be seeking a permanent stay of prosecution, Sooklal said: I’m not going to run this trial through the media.”
Zuma’s lawyer Michael Hulley said shortly after the indictment was filed that Zuma planned to apply for a permanent stay of prosecution based on the belief that his right to a free trial had been infringed.
The corruption, racketeering and money laundering charges relate to an alleged R500 000 a year bribe secured for Zuma from Thint by fraud convict Schabir Shaik.
Most of the fraud charges relate to Zuma’s alleged failure to disclose benefits received from Shaik to Parliament and to the South African Revenue Services. ‒ Sapa