Publication: Sapa Issued: Durban Date: 2005-10-11 Reporter: Sapa

Zuma-Supporting Crowds Throng Durban Court

 

Publication 

Sapa
BC-LD-ZUMA

Date

2005-10-11

Issued

Durban

Reporter

 Sapa

 

Crowds flocked around the Durban magistrate's court on Tuesday morning amid sounds of vuvuzelas in support for axed former Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

He is scheduled to appear on corruption charges later in the morning.

A strong police contingent kept watch. Several roads had been closed off throughout the city centre, causing major traffic disruptions.

Many of the crowd had attended an all-night vigil at the court.

"I was singing and praying all night for Jacob Zuma," said Ntomiztwa Mhlezane, who had travelled from Osizweni, near Newcastle.

Zuma supporters wearing red T-shirts bearing the message "Support Jacob Zuma, Defend the Revolution" walked about the city centre.

Outside the court, supporters waved placards, reading "We Demand the Withdrawal of All Charges Against Zuma" and "Squires in Guilty of Malpractice".

Earlier this year, Judge Hilary Squires found Zuma's friend and advisor Schabir Shaik guilty on fraud and corruption charges linked to Zuma and sentenced Shaik to 15 years' jail.

Shaik is out on bail pending the outcome of his appeal.

Several dignitaries including Cabinet ministers, and leading figures in the African National Congress, the Congress of SA Trade Unions, and the SA Communist Party were expected to be at court to support Zuma.

All other court cases were scheduled to be heard only after 11am.

With acknowledgement to Sapa.