Publication: The Star Issued: Date: 2006-04-28 Reporter: Ingrid Oellermann Reporter: Tania Broughton

Trial Could Fizzle from the Start

 

Publication 

The Star
Date 2006-04-28

Reporter

 Ingrid Oellermann
Tania Broughton

Web Link

www.thestar.co.za

 

The long-awaited appearance of Jacob Zuma in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday could last just a few minutes.

Tensions are already simmering between the state and those representing Zuma and French arms company Thint in the corruption trial because a delay at the start seems inevitable.

This is because the defence teams have not filed responses to an application last week by the state for a postponement until the first half of next year.

Responses were expected to be filed by close of business on Wednesday, giving the state time to prepare its legal argument for Monday.

But by yesterday they still had not been filed and indications were that the papers may only be lodged only on Monday.

The delay in filing the papers is now raising questions about whether the defence is attempting to use "ambush tactics" to surprise the state.

Zuma's attorney, Michael Hulley, declined to comment on this, but confirmed that the papers may be filed on Monday morning.

Attorney A J Sooklal, who acts for Thint, said: "We are preparing a vigorous opposition to their application - it will be voluminous compared to the state's. These things take time."

With acknowledgements to Ingrid Oellermann, Tania Broughton and The Star.


Let the games begin - Downer/Steynberg vs Kemp/Naidu.