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Zuma's Day in Court Delayed Again


FILE: Former South African President Jacob Zuma speaks with his legal counsel in court during his corruption trial in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, October 26, 2021.
FILE: Former South African President Jacob Zuma speaks with his legal counsel in court during his corruption trial in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, October 26, 2021.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma's long-delayed corruption trial was postponed again Tuesday.

Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Piet Koen moved proceedings to August 1 so Zuma's legal team could ask the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to review the lower court rulings permitting lead prosecutor Billy Downer to remain.

Koen stated that if the SCA issues a ruling affirming Downer's lead by that August date, and no further delay is sought in order to appeal to the Constitutional Court, then "the trial," he said "shall resume at 10 o'clock on August 15, 2022."

Zuma alleges Downer is biased against him and cannot conduct a fair case on behalf of the state.

Speaking after the court date extension was granted, Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson is quoted by South Africa's "Daily Sun" publication as saying "This will give us enough time to ventilate issues within the legal system. In fact, it will give us enough time to finish with the tactics of the NPA." (National Prosecuting Authority)

Zuma has pleaded "not guilty" to a number of corruption, racketeering, and money laundering charges, including ones tied to a $2 billion arms contract during his term as deputy president. He held South Africa's presidency until 2018, when he resigned rather than face a "no confidence" vote.

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