The lengthy trial of fraud and corruption accused Schabir Shaik enters its final stage this week when the defence and prosecution present their final arguments to the Durban High Court from today.

Shaik, a Durban business man, has been charged with two counts of corruption and one of fraud.

The first corruption charge relates to his long-standing friendship with Deputy President Jacob Zuma, whom he also serves as financial adviser. The prosecution described this relationship as "generally corrupt" and said Shaik used his connections with Zuma to secure business deals. In turn he allegedly financed Zuma's expensive lifestyle.

The second corruption charge relates to allegations that he solicited a bribe of half a million rand a year for Zuma from French arms company Thomson CSF. This was said to be in exchange for protection during investigations into alleged irregularities in South Africa's multi-billion arms acquisition process.

The fraud charge relates to allegedly irregular write-offs in the books of his Nkobi group of companies. Throughout the trial which started in October last year Shaik was supported by his brothers.

Shaik told the court that during the anti-apartheid struggle he was a conduit for the flow of funds into and out of the country on behalf of the African National Congress.

Judge Hilary Squires has yet to announce when judgment will be given.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Sunday Times.