Zuma corruption trial postponed for plea
Former President Jacob Zuma’s legal team is planning to bring an application that could see the lead prosecutor removed from his corruption trial.
The matter, which is related to the multi-billion rand arms deal, got underway on Monday in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
READ: WATCH: Zuma's corruption trial starts, de Lille to testify
It’s been adjourned to next week Wednesday for a plea to be formally entered – and to allow the special plea application to be filed.
French arms company, Thales is a co-accused in the trial.
Judge Piet Koen’s first order of business this morning was to give Zuma’s former lawyers, Mabuza Attorneys, permission to officially withdraw from the case.
They filed notice in the High Court nearly a month ago, saying they would no longer be representing the former president.
READ: Magashule, Zikalala among those at Zuma's corruption trial today
Lead Prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer then told the court, Zuma’s new legal team - led by Advocate Thabani Masuku - informed him that they would be bringing a special plea.
It could see Downer’s recusal from the matter.
Masuku told the court they would file the application by Wednesday this week.
He stressed they did not want the move to be viewed as a further delay in the case or as if they weren’t ready to proceed with the trial.
Masuku said Zuma would be pleading not guilty to the charges when the matter resumes next week.
