Former President Jacob Zuma’s long-running arms deal corruption case has returned to the Pietermaritzburg High Court, with renewed legal drama unfolding as co-accused French arms company Thales seeks to have charges against it withdrawn.
The court is expected to rule on Thales’ application, filed in April, which argues that the case cannot proceed due to the deaths of two key witnesses. The company stands accused of allegedly paying Zuma in exchange for political protection during the controversial 1999 multi-billion rand arms procurement deal.
If Thales’ application to have its charges dismissed is successful, Zuma’s legal team has indicated that he too will seek the withdrawal of his charges.
Both Zuma and Thales face serious allegations including corruption, racketeering, fraud, and money laundering. The case has spanned more than two decades and remains one of the most high-profile corruption scandals in South Africa’s democratic history.
A ruling on Thales’ application is expected soon, which could determine the next chapter in this protracted legal saga.