Durban - South Africa's multi-billion rand arms acquisition was discussed in the Durban High Court on Monday as fraud and corruption accused Schabir Shaik was cross-examined.

The State alleges Shaik attempted to solicit a R500 000 per year bribe for his close friend Deputy President Jacob Zuma from a French arms maker, Thomson CSF.

This was in exchange for Zuma's protection during a subsequent investigation into alleged irregularities in the arms deal.

On Monday Shaik said he first became aware of these allegations in the press after it they were raised by former Pan Africanist Congress MP Patricia de Lille in parliament.

As he was questioned by prosecutor Billy Downer, Shaik, who has clearly enjoyed the media attention his trial has generated, said: "I am not a fan of the press" and he could not recall any questions related to the arms deal in the media.

However, Shaik has previously told the court that he kept a file of press clippings about the arms deal.

Downer asked Shaik why it was so important for his company, Nkobi Holdings, to have acquired a direct shareholding in African Defence Systems, the Thomson CSF subsidiary that won part of the naval corvette contract.

Shaik said the advantage would have been immediate earnings in terms of workshare.

He said at the time they tendered for the contract, Nkobi was a young company, which "choked to death on negative cashflow" while it waited for turnover.

He was also questioned about the meeting between him, Zuma and former Thomson boss in South Africa, Alain Thetard, in March 2000.

This was the meeting where the State believes a bribe was arranged.

Shaik maintains they discussed a donation for the Jacob Zuma Education Trust Fund.

Thetard is the author of an encrypted fax that was handed in as evidence by the State.

It is this document that the alleged bribe was recorded.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and News24.