Yesterday. The deputy presidency is waiting to see how the trial unfolds.

It is understood Zuma wants the trial to proceed without interference and comments to the media. Those close to the deputy president also want to avoid what they call a "trial by media", given that Zuma's name features on almost every page of the charge sheet against Shaik.

ANC spokesman Smuts Ngonyama said the party stood behind Zuma. "The ANC has full confidence in the deputy president. The court proceedings must take their course and everyone is innocent until proved guilty in a court of law."

On the 10 other politicians and officials also allegedly bankrolled by Shaik, he said: "It's an allegation. That's all it is. This still has to be proved."

ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe, outspoken in his criticism of the Scorpions and what he believes is their "Hollywood style" of arrests, said he had no comment.

With acknowledgements to the Cape Times.