Zuma can't blame case delays on NPA: State
A lawyer for the state has argued that former president, Jacob Zuma should not be quick to squarely blame his legal delays on the National Prosecuting Authority.
Zuma is arguing for a stay of prosecution and for charges against him dating back some 15 years to be dropped.
He's accused of accepting kickbacks from French arms company, Thales, in a deal that is alleged to have seen the company score a lucrative multi-billion Rand contract.
His counsel has argued that due the delays by the NPA, the charges should be dropped as this amounts to an unfair trial.
Advocate Wim Trengrove for the state says Zuma had also put in a request for delay to his own trial.
"Mr. Zuma's [defence] can't wash their hands of responsibility for that decision because they sought it and got it. It doesn't absolve Mr. Mpshe. Mr. Mpshe exercised his powers and shouldn't have exceeded to that request. By the same token, they cannot disavow responsibility for it. That is what they sort and that is what they got," Tengrove said.
ALSO READ: Court to hear state's argument on Zuma stay of prosecution
