Both parties are expected to argue for a permanent stay of prosecution given the lengthy delays in the case, which started over a decade ago and has seen charges withdrawn and reinstated. Arguments are set to run over four days. 

Zuma, accused one, is facing one count of racketeering, two counts of corruption, one count of money laundering and 12 counts of fraud for allegedly receiving bribe money from Thales via his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik.

Shaik was found guilty on two charges of corruption and one of fraud in 2005 and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. He attempted an appeal at the Supreme Court but failed and was also turned down by the Constitutional Court. 

He served two years before being released on “medical parole” in 2009.

Zuma was charged in 2007 but, citing political interference, these charges were withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority in 2009. 

However, the charges were reinstated last year following a protracted court battle led by the Democratic Alliance.

The graft case relates to the country’s contentious “arms deal”, in which Thales secured a multi-billion rand contract to supply combat systems to the South African navy.

Thales, accused two, is facing one count of racketeering, two counts of corruption and one count of money laundering.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the French multinational company said it believed it could not obtain a fair trial because of “very long delays” that were “no fault of Thales”.

“Thales reiterates that it has no knowledge of any transgressions having been committed by any of its employees in relation to the awarding of the contract for the combat systems for South Africa's corvettes (the Arms Deal in 1999).

“Thales respects the law, has a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and has cooperated fully with the local authorities at all times, and will continue to do so,” said the statement.   

Since the charges were reinstated, the state has accused Zuma of delaying tactics while the former president has complained of unfair treatment and a “dismissive” attitude in a politically motivated case.

African News Agency (ANA)