WATCH | Shivambu in Zuma’s entourage for pre-trial hearing

Zuma

Pietermaritzburg — Former president and current uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma arrived at his pre-trial hearing on Wednesday accompanied by his entourage, which notably included new ally Floyd Shivambu.

Zuma, dressed in MK colours, was accompanied by Shivambu, former minister Nkosinathi Nhleko, Thobani Zuma, and Kwazi Mbanjwa.

According to TimesLIVE, outside the court, MK Party members prepared a stage for Zuma’s anticipated speech, monitored by heavy police and security.

Zuma and the French arms company Thales face charges of racketeering, corruption, money laundering, and fraud related to an arms deal.

He is accused of receiving R4 million from former advisor Schabir Shaik to aid Thales, who secured the contracts.

Shaik was convicted in 2005 and released on medical parole in 2009.

During the court proceedings, Zuma’s advocate, Dali Mpofu, told the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that the corruption case against his client can only proceed if Advocate Billy Downer is removed from the case, Newzroom Afrika reported.

“That being the case, the NPA has two options. Either, it insists on he commencement of the trial on the dates that have been proposed, without Mr Downer and with another prosecutor,” Mpofu said.

“They can’t have their cake and eat it. They can’t want to commence the trial and also retain Billy Downer. They must choose one of the two.”

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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