The National Prosecuting Authority will oppose an application by former deputy president Jacob Zuma for the return of documents taken during raids on his homes and offices by the Scorpions in August.

"We won’t return the documents just because they want it," NPA spokesman Makhosini Nkosi said on Monday.

Last week, Zuma and his attorney Mike Hulley lodged a Durban High Court application asking for the return of the documents, including those taken from Hulley’s office in Durban.

Nkosi said: "Our search and seizure operations were legal. We had a court order. On what grounds should we return it?"

He said Zuma and Hulley had the right to go to court if they thought the search and seizure operations were unfair and the NPA would definitely oppose it.

"The evidential material we seized we still have to analyse to see if it is valuable to our investigation," said Nkosi.

The raids on Zuma and his associates in August are linked to the two charges of corruption against him, following the conviction and sentencing of his friend and financial adviser Schabir Shaik earlier this year.

Shaik’s charges were connected to his dealings with Zuma, and the former deputy president was subsequently charged with corruption and then sacked from his position by President Thabo Mbeki.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) has reaffirmed its support for its embattled deputy president Jacob Zuma and has called on its members and structures to back him too.

Zuma is expected to make his second appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on two charges of corruption, following the conviction and sentencing of his friend and former financial adviser Schabir Shaik earlier this year.

The charges against Shaik were connected to his dealings with Zuma, and the former deputy president was subsequently charged with corruption and sacked by President Thabo Mbeki.

"On the eve of the court appearance of ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma tomorrow (Tuesday), the African National Congress reaffirms its support for Deputy President Zuma during this difficult and challenging period," the party said in a statement.

The ANC confirmed its principled support for the right of all citizens to be presumed innocent until found otherwise, and the right of all accused to a fair trial.

In line with positions taken at the ANC National General Council in July and the approach of the ANC National Executive Committee in September, the ANC also reaffirmed its commitment to respect, uphold and defend the rule of law.

"The ANC calls on all structures, members and supporters to express their support for the ANC Deputy President in a dignified manner, consistent with the values and principles of the ANC," it said.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Business Day.