Pietermaritzburg : The prosecution team has been kept waiting till the 11th hour to learn how the defence will attempt to shoot down the State's application for a postponement of the trial of former deputy president Jacob Zuma until early next year.

The indications are that the start of the trial will most likely be delayed for at least a day or two to give the prosecution time to study the defence response to the main application for a postponement.

And depending on the complexity of the replies expected to be filed by the defence this morning, the State might ask for up to a week to prepare their own replying arguments.

If the argument cannot proceed sometime this week or very early next week, the prosecution might ask for the delay to extend up to September as the State also has to contend with an appeal by Schabir Shaik on August 21.

The indications are that the defence would not oppose the State's request for time.

Zuma's attorney, Michael Hulley, confirmed yesterday evening that the defence would serve responding papers on the prosecution early today.

He said the defence could not presuppose what course of action the State was likely to take.

However, applications by one other party in court asking for time to study recently served court documents are routinely made in the course of trials, and if the State indeed did bring such an application the same "courtesy" would be extended to them as to any other colleagues, Hulley said.

There has been speculation in the media that the defence will demand a complete striking-off of charges of corruption and fraud, so avoiding the merits of the case altogether.

They are expected to cite alleged "unreasonable" delays in the State's investigations as impacting on the rights of the accused - Zuma and French arms company Thint - to a fair trial.

The State has submitted that it has been unable to finalise the indictment because of factors beyond its control.

These include lack of clarity over the legality of search and seizure raids at the homes and offices of Thint representatives, Zuma, his lawyers and associates.

The trials of Zuma and Shaik remain inextricably linked with the State's allegations being that Zuma had a "generally corrupt" relationship with Shaik, and that he took a bribe from Thint in exchange for his support for the French company's bid in relation to the arms deal.

Preparations are under way for an overnight vigil by Zuma's supporters on Freedom Square outside the high court.

Barricades have been set up and water tankers and portable toilets put in place.

Tourism director Melanie Veness said hotels and bed and breakfast establishments had filled up.

The identity of the trial judge, which has remained a closely guarded secret, will finally be revealed today.

With acknowledgement to Ingrid Oellermann and Cape Times.