The Durban High Court on Tuesday reserved judgement in an application by businessman Schabir Shaik for leave to appeal against a 15-year-sentence for fraud and corruption involving former deputy president Jacob Zuma.

Judge Hilary Squires said he would hand down judgement on Friday morning.

The state opposed the application, arguing there was no prospect of another court coming to a different conclusion.

The quantum and weight of the evidence against Shaik was overwhelming, said prosecutor Billy Downer, SC.

The defence earlier argued that Squires had erred in several respects.

With acknowledgement to Sapa.