2LT International News

DURBAN, South Africa – Former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma will appear in court on Tuesday on charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering.

The case against Zuma will proceed after the South African High Court on Friday dismissed applications by the former leader to have all charges against him quashed.

The controversial president, who served from 2009 until his resignation in February 2018, is facing charges that he took billions of rands in bribes whilst negotiating arms sales. An application by French weapons-manufacturer Thales South Africa was also dismissed by the High Court.

Despite the decision, Zuma was all smiles on Friday as he joked with his lawyers.

The decision though by a full bench of the Pietermaritzburg High Court will now allow his prosecution, and that of Thales, to proceed.

Judges Bhekisisa Mnguni, Thoba Poyo-Dlwati and Esten Steyn reportedly took only a few minutes to hand down their judgement.

Justice Mnguni, who read the judgement, said all three of Zuma’s applications were dismissed with costs.

“The applications brought by Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma for the permanent stay are dismissed with costs,” the judgement said.

Zuma and his legal entourage will now return to the same courtroom for the opening of his case on Tuesday.

A little over a month after Zuma agreed to step aside in February 2018, it was confirmed by the director of public prosecutions that he would face eighteen charges of corruption, including more than 700 counts of fraud and money laundering.

(File photo. Credit: GCIS).