In 2001 Deputy President Jacob Zuma declared to parliament that he owed his financial adviser Schabir Shaik R1.5 million.

This was revealed in a letter handed to the high court here by Shaik's legal team, during proceedings in Shaik's trial for fraud and corruption yesterday. The letter was a response from the Rev Frank Chikane, secretary to the cabinet, to a request by Zuma.

The documents were introduced during Shaik's re-examination by his senior counsel, Francois van Zyl, SC.

"Will Mr Downer (lead prosecutor Billy Downer) get a chance to cross-examine?" Judge Hilary Squires asked.

"Unfortunately, yes, my lord," Van Zyl answered.

In another letter by Chikane, addressed to Downer, it is stated that Zuma had not filed a loan agreement when he declared his liabilities. Chikane, however, added that there was no need for him to do so.

Chikane further admitted that Zuma had disclosed in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 that he owed Shaik money. Chikane said that he was barred from disclosing the details of the loan, because the liabilities were filed in the confidential section of the members' register of interests.

Earlier in the day Shaik had refused to supply the state with an updated schedule of the money owing to him by Zuma. "On the advice of my senior counsel I decline to supply you with an updated schedule," Shaik said.

Shaik also said in cross-examination that he helped Zuma's secretary, John Jeffreys, every year to draw up a list of liabilities that Zuma must declare to parliament.

"Do you give him an updated schedule including the amount of interest?" Downer asked in cross-examination.

"I can't recall," Shaik answered.

"Where did the amount of R1.5 million come from?" Downer asked.

"It is part of his debt," Shaik answered.

"Part of his debt?" Downer asked.

"Yes," Shaik replied.

"But we say that the amount owing by Zuma in 2001 was R666 000," Downer asked, adding: "Payments you admitted yourself."

"I can't help you," Shaik said.

Downer wrapped up his cross-examination of Shaik in the morning. At one point Judge Squires asked: "Mr Downer, is the finishing post in sight?"

Shaik said that the former national director of public prosecutions, Bulelani Ngcuka, had now finally got what he always wished for Zuma - a trial by media.

The trial continues.

With acknowledgements to Estelle Ellis and the Cape Times.