Legal representation issue 'likely to delay Zuma corruption trial'

Zuma and his co-accused, French arms manufacturer Thales, face multiple charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering in connection with the multi-billion-rand arms deal of the 1990s.

The matter has been certified as trial-ready by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), but the former president's defence on the matter remains unclear as he has recently parted ways with advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, Eric Mabuza and the rest of his legal team. 

The trial is set to commence in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday.

Witz says there is a possibility that legal fees could be at the heart of the parting of ways. 

"Financial issues play a very important role because a case of that nature is going to be a long case, there are going to be a lot of witnesses and a case of that nature need proper funds.

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"There will be some argument. The judge would want to hear why the previous legal representation has withdrawn and in my experience, lack of instruction means lack of funds to pay the legal representation," says Witz.

He adds that the judge would have to allow him more time to seek legal representation.

"We can't really say it is a tactic, my experience as an advocate is that at this particular stage and the judge's position is that when you are dealing with the serious charge that former president Jacob Zuma is facing, as well as that there are minimum sentences involved for a conviction on any of the charges.

"I think that in any probability notwithstanding the number of postponement that has been granted, the judge will have to think very carefully in terms of the Constitution whether or not to ensure that he has legal representation.

"In this case, it would be much better for him to have legal representation and I am sure the judge would allow him some time to seek legal representation."