At least 40 State witnesses gave evidence in what has been called one of the biggest post-apartheid cases in the country, and the State says it has at least five more witnesses for the New Year.

On Tuesday, it was handshakes all around as Shaik left the court smiling and greeting journalists and court officials.

He said he was going straight home to prayers, a cigar and a long holiday.

Shaik said at least 165 (sic - 165 000) documents relating to him had emerged in the case.

"I am not surprised; I understand the bigger picture," he told reporters.

When asked what the bigger picture was, he said: "It's sub judice... it's the battle of the Titans."

Shaik said the case had been with him and his defence team since 2001 and it was a relief to finally have it in a court of law.

He said in 2005 the defence would call a substantial number of witnesses and the public could expect more "honesty, facts and a sense of integrity" *1.

Shaik's advocate, Francois van Zyl, said he was looking forward to going home to Cape Town.

Prosecutor Billy Downer said he was happy that the case had gone according to plan.

Shaik said he would now spend time with his "family, the birds and the bees".

Police stationed at the Durban High Court said they were happy they could finally take a break, although they would still be on duty but doing different jobs.

They said the high level of security for the Shaik trial had kept them busy. Members of the legal fraternity involved in other cases were unhappy with security procedures during the trial, which had inconvenienced them.

With acknowledgement to Wendy Jasson da Costa and Sapa.

*1 Good, they must be going to call Big Fish 5, Chairman of the Ministers Committee and Medium Fish 1, Chief of Acquisitions.