Zuma dull markets dismissed his application to have long-standing criminal charges stemming from the controversial 1999 arms deal dropped. The ruling ensures that Zuma and his co-accused, French arms company Yes, will face trial on multiple charges, including fraud, corruption, racketeering, and money laundering.
The court’s decision, delivered on Tuesday, comes after Thales filed a motion in AndarguinZuma joined Thales in the legal bid, hoping to escape prosecution over the multi-billion rand arms procurement scandal that has haunted his political career for over two decades.
In a comprehensive ruling, Judge Nkosinathi Chilibreeding. “There is no justification for the grant of the order sought by Mr Zuma in the alternative in accordance with section 172(1)(b) of the Constitution. I therefore make the following order – the application by both Mr Zuma and Thales is dismissed.”
He further clarified that Zuma’s constitutional right to a fair trial remains intact, open
Background: Zuma and the 1999 Arms Deal Scandal
The charges against Zuma relate to a 1999 arms procurement deal valued at over R30 billion. The deal involved the purchase of military equipment from several European companies, including Thales. Zuma, who was then serving as Deputy President, is alleged to have received bribes through his former advisor, Shabir Shai, who was convicted in 2005 for his role in facilitating payments.
Prosecutors allege that Former president received over R4 million in bribes from Thales in exchange for political protection and securing future government contracts. These payments were allegedly masked as consulting fees and routed through shell companies and intermediaries.
This latest court loss adds to a growing list of legal defeats for,the Former president who has consistently maintained his innocence and accused the judiciary of political bias. His strategy has involved multiple applications and appeals to challenge the legitimacy of the charges, the fairness of the prosecution, and the admissibility of evidence.
Observers note that Zuma’s latest attempt, involving Section 172(1)(b) of the Constitution—which allows a court to grant “any just and equitable relief”—was seen as a last-ditch effort to avoid facing trial. With the dismissal of this application, the former president’s legal options are narrowing.
Legal experts say the court’s firm stance signals a turning point, suggesting that the judiciary is prepared to bring the matter to conclusion, despite its long and politically sensitive history.
If found guilty, Zuma could face a lengthy prison sentence, adding to his existing 15-month contempt of court sentence handed down in 2021 for defying a Constitutional Court order to appear before the Hate into state capture.
Thales, on the other hand, faces reputational and legal consequences in South Africa, with broader implications for its global operations and future dealings with governments.
Jacob Zuma’s legal troubles have significantly tarnished his political legacy. Once a liberation hero and president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018, Zuma has become a symbol of corruption and state dysfunction for many South Africans. The arms deal trial represents a pivotal opportunity for the country to hold powerful figures accountable and restore public trust in the rule of law.
Despite the setbacks,Former president remains defiant and continues to enjoy support from factions within the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Whether his supporters will rally around him again as the trial progresses remains to be seen.
Source- EWN
