Another furore has erupted around corruption accused Schabir Shaik after he revealed that he often meets Deputy President Jacob Zuma to discuss his trial.

Although the prosecution authorities have said they have enough prima facie evidence to charge Zuma over allegations that he and Shaik solicited bribes for influence during the arms procurement process, they have not done so.

Zuma has emerged as a central figure during Shaik's Durban High Court trial and his name has been repeatedly mentioned by witnesses and on documents submitted as evidence.

Neither the state nor the defence has called him as a witness.

Shaik admitted yesterday on Talk Radio 702 that he regularly discussed his trial with Zuma whenever they found themselves in the same city.

He also slammed the media as a "fourth force" determined to discredit himself and Zuma. The "fourth force" included elements within the ANC, some opposition parties, and business interests who wanted to prevent Zuma from being president.

"This isn't a president-to-be that's a dictator - this is a president who is level-headed, who cares for the needy, who is a people's president. And that doesn't fulfil the agenda of certain interests and they want to take him down," Shaik said.

He described State Advocate Billy Downer, the lead prosecutor, as a "pawn in this political fiasco that is going on and I hope he realises soon that his former boss (Bulelani Ngcuka, the former national director of public prosecutions) who started this whole thing is now in the pound seats at Sanlam".

Shaik said he had met Zuma on Saturday and Sunday and had discussed the case with him, adding that this was normal because they were friends and took the opportunity to meet whenever they could.

Zuma also had two lawyers in court as observers, he said.

"Whenever we do meet, we provide him (Zuma) with updates from our perspective," Shaik added.

Opposition parties yesterday described Shaik's regular meetings with Zuma as "extraordinary", but were divided over the implications that two men closely linked to the same alleged offence could meet without fear of sanction.

Said Sheila Camerer, spokeswoman on legal affairs for the Democratic Alliance: "But there are so many extraordinary things about this trial. The DA believes Deputy President Jacob Zuma should also have been joined (as an accused). He should take the opportunity to come to court to clear his name."

If Zuma had discussed the case with Shaik, it was "clearly not appropriate", she added.

Bantu Holomisa, head of the United Democratic Movement, said it would have been better if Zuma had taken long leave or a sabbatical during the trial.

Shaik's statements in and out of court had compromised the deputy presidency "and he continues to do so.

"Was it really necessary for him to say to 702 that he discusses these things with the deputy president? It doesn't make sense," Holomisa said.

ANC spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama refused to comment because, he said, the matter was sub judice.

With acknowledgements to Alameen Templeton and the Cape Times.