Although Deputy President Jacob Zuma has been implicated in some of the charges Durban businessman Schabir Shaik was found guilty of, it could not be assumed his (sic - he) was guilty, the Congress of SA Trade Unions said on Thursday.

"He (Zuma) has not been on trial nor charged or convicted of any offence. So we cannot assume that anyone is guilty before he or she has been given a chance to defend him or herself," Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven told Sapa.

He said Cosatu was waiting to see if any of the parties would appeal the conviction and would study the judgment in detail.

It would also hold consultations with its affiliations and perhaps issue a fuller statement on the matter after these meetings.

Many of Cosatu's affiliates have openly backed Zuma to succeed President Thabo Mbeki as the next leader of South Africa.

Shaik was found guilty earlier in the day on two charges of corruption and one of fraud relating to financial dealings with Zuma.

With acknowledgements to Sapa.