Newzroom Afrika | 23 February 2021|

Pre-trial proceedings for the Arms Deal corruption trial are expected to be heard in the KwaZulu-Natal high court in Pietermaritzburg today. A trial date is likely to be set for one of South Africa’s longest-running legal cases. Former president Jacob Zuma and co accused, French arms manufacturer Thales face fraud, racketeering, corruption and money laundering charges relating to the arms deal of the 1990’s. Jacob Zuma is accused of pocketing bribes from Thales in exchange for lucrative tenders, payments for which his former financial advisor Shabier Shaikh was convicted and jailed. In all probability, a further postponement is on the cards, although it’s a step closer to the actual trail. To unpack the subject is Open Secrets Director and author, Hennie Van Vuuren. He joins us now via video link in Cape Town this morning.