Trial date set for Zuma arms deal graft case
The corruption trial of former president Jacob Zuma is set to be heard in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg between April and September 2025.
The former president faces nearly 20 charges of fraud, graft, and racketeering related to a 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats, and military gear from five European arms firms for R30 billion.
A pre-trial conference is set for 29 August.
Zuma, who stands accused alongside French arms company Thales, previously pleaded not guilty in a much-postponed corruption case dating back more than two decades.
"The NPA is relieved that finally a trial date has been set and reserved by the judge president on 14 April 2025. We are hoping that there will be no hurdles that the NPA will have to navigate as part of the delaying tactics on the part of Mr Zuma,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.
"We are hoping that all prelim issues will be ironed out by 29 August, which is the date set for pre-trial conference,"
The trial has been marred by delays, including Zuma’s unsuccessful bid to have state prosecutor Billy Downer removed from the matter.
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