PMB High Court to make ruling on Zuma postponement application
Former president Jacob Zuma will hear on Tuesday whether the Pietermaritzburg High Court will agree to postpone arguments in his special plea application involving his corruption trial.
The matter was due to be argued on Monday.
However, Zuma's legal team told the court they were opposed to it being heard virtually.
They said it would rob Zuma of a fair trial and added that the former president also plans to give oral evidence and so he must be physically present.
READ: Zuma explains opposition to virtual hearing in corruption trial
Zuma followed Monday's proceeding via an audiovisual link from the Estcourt Correctional Centre, where he's serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court.
Judge Piet Koen said matters were being heard virtually due to the Current Covid-19 situation.
But Advocate Thabani Masuku for Zuma insisted a virtual hearing wouldn't work.
"The rationale behind the virtual hearing was that there are disturbances and that Mr Zuma is not present and that there is a pandemic.
"All three are good, except that one must look at the other factors which the nature and the extent of the limitations.
"The limitation is we cant consult with Mr Zuma, the limitation is that he has to follow the trial or his plea that may well acquit him, and the difficulties that are the physical barriers placed by this virtual hearing are real."
