Key Points
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Zuma faces corruption and fraud charges related to the arms deal.
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Thales seeks to have the case removed due to dead witnesses.
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Lawyers argue that the case is unfit for trial without key testimonies.
Former South African president Jacob Zuma has turned to French arms company Thales in a bid to have corruption charges against him dropped.
Zuma’s defense team argued that the absence of key witnesses, including two deceased Thales officials, made the trial unfair.
He faces over 700 charges, including money laundering and racketeering, related to a controversial arms deal.
Zuma’s legal team calls for case to be thrown out
Zuma’s lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, told the court that the lack of crucial testimonies from key witnesses would prevent a fair trial.
He insisted that without these testimonies, the case should be dismissed. Thales’ lawyer, Advocate Barry Roux, agreed, saying the trial could not continue without the testimonies of the deceased officials.
The NPA, however, argued that Zuma’s former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, could still testify. Shaik has already faced legal consequences in connection with the case.
Uncertainty over evidence and trial fairness
Zuma’s defense raised concerns over the accuracy of essential documents, which were originally in French and later translated into English.
They argued that without questioning the deceased witnesses, the trial could be unconstitutional.
On the other hand, the NPA maintained that other witnesses remained available to testify, even if some were located abroad. The court has postponed the case to June 3, 2025, for a ruling on the matter.
