A South African judge has postponed former President Jacob Zuma's corruption trial, pending his appeal to the Supreme Court to have the lead prosecutor removed.

A South African judge has postponed former President Jacob Zuma’s corruption trial, pending his appeal to the Supreme Court to have the lead prosecutor removed.

 

Corruption Trial: Zuma too ill to appear in court today, trial postponed

Former South Africa President, Jacob Zuma who is being tried on alleged corrupt practices failed to appear before the court today on account of ill health. Zuma denies corruption charges relating to a $2bn (£1.5bn) arms. 

A South African judge has postponed former President Jacob Zuma’s corruption trial, pending his appeal to the Supreme Court to have the lead prosecutor removed.

The former president failed to turn up to Monday’s hearing at Pietermaritzburg court, saying he was too ill to attend.

Mr Zuma faces multiple charges of fraud, racketeering and money-laundering relating to a $2bn (£1.5bn) arms deal in the 1990s with a French company.

He has denied all the charges, calling them a witch-hunt by political rivals.

The BBC’s Shingai Nyoka in Pietermaritzburg says the court will reconvene on 17 May to determine the way forward.

Last July, violent protests broke out in parts of South Africa after Mr Zuma was arrested in a separate case.

Numerous legal challenges have caused long delays and postponements in this highly anticipated trial.

Editorial Chief, Nigerian Bureau

Kings UBA is a Nigerian journalist and writer. I have reported for major local and international news organisations. I write satire. In 2017, I started contributing stories primarily to Discover Africa News Network. I can be reached on editorkingsuba@gmail.com. I currently manage Discover Africa News social media handles