Johannesburg - The national prosecuting authority (NPA) was bordering on illegality in its handling of the corruption trial of former deputy president Jacob Zuma, The National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) said on Wednesday.

An incomplete charge sheet, a request for a trial postponement and "illegal and uncoordinated raids" left every South African wondering what was happening in the NPA, spokesperson Moloantoa Molaba said.

"All these NPA actions bordering on illegality, unfairness, and unprofessional behaviour, makes us to strongly believe that comrade Jacob Zuma will never get a fair trial, therefore all the charges must be withdrawn and he must be re-instated as the deputy president of the Republic of South Africa."

Conspiracy theory

The union believed the trial was politically motivated as part of a bigger conspiracy to prevent Zuma from becoming the president of the African National Congress (ANC) and of South Africa.

The corruption case against Zuma was postponed to Saturday November 12 in the Durban magistrate's court on Tuesday with the agreement of both the state and the defence.

Prosecutor Billy Downer told the court the postponement would allow the state to serve an indictment on Zuma.

It would also give the state and the defence time to arrange a High Court trial date in consultation with Natal Judge President Vuka Tshabalala, and enable further investigation.

So far, Zuma faces two charges of contravening the Corruption Act, brought after the conviction and sentencing of his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik on fraud and corruption charges. Shaik is out on bail pending appeal.

The charges against Zuma relate to alleged bribery in exchange for protection during the country's multi-million rand arms deal.

Zuma is deputy president of the ANC.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and News24.