Durban - The ANC appreciated the role of the court in affirming the rule of law as an integral part of the country's democratic constitutional order, the party said on Thursday.

It was reacting after businessman Schabir Shaik was found guilty in the Durban High Court on Thursday on two counts of corruption and one of fraud relating to alleged irregular financial dealings with deputy president Jacob Zuma.

Zuma is also the deputy president of the governing ANC.

"The ANC has maintained throughout this matter that the due process of law must be allowed to proceed without let or hindrance, and that the basic principles of justice - including the right to presumption of innocence - should be observed.

"The ANC therefore appreciates the role of the court in affirming the rule of law as an integral part of our democratic constitutional order.

"This is a further signal of the integrity of the country's legal system, and an affirmation of the maturity of our democracy. The ANC will comment further, if necessary, after studying the judgment."

With acknowledgements to Jannie Momberg, Sapa and News24.