Publication: Cape Argus Issued: Date: 2006-09-05 Reporter: Karyn Maughan Reporter:

State to Argue Zuma Got R3.7m from Shaik

 

Publication 

Cape Argus

Date

2006-09-05

Reporter

 Karyn Maughan

Web Link

www.capeargus.co.za

 

Jacob Zuma's financial dealings were expected to be aired in the Pietermaritzburg High Court as the State wheeled seven boxes of forensic audit documents into court today.

It is understood that the KPMG report - which covers Zuma's financial affairs until August 2005 - will show that he received R3.7 million from his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik.

At the start of the corruption trial against the former deputy president today, the State produced the documents to show that it had completed one of the most significant aspects of its case.

The State was hoping that Zuma's counter-application to have the case against him and French arms company Thint withdrawn or struck from the roll would be heard first.

But Mr Justice Herbert Msimang ordered that the National Prosecuting Authority first argue its application to postpone the case.

Pointing out that it was standard procedure for the State to bring a postponement application first, Judge Msimang urged the State's Wim Trengove SC to "treat this case like any other normal case".

He backed Thint's advocate, Kessie Naidu SC, who argued that the State should follow normal procedure.

The judge also declined to make an immediate ruling on whether the SABC would be able to broadcast final arguments and judgment in the trial, should it proceed.

Outside court, a woman known as Mamkize, who made headlines after she performed an elaborate mime mocking Zuma's rape accuser outside the Johannesburg High Court during his rape trial this year, honoured Zuma with an incense-burning ceremony. She was surrounded by Zuma supporters in traditional garb who clutched posters claiming that the State had no evidence against the "president-in-waiting" .

While the 10 000 supporters promised in media reports failed to materialise, hundreds blew whistles and vuvuzelas.

Wearing a grey suit, Zuma arrived in a packed Court A just after 9am, lifting his hands to the public gallery before sitting down in the dock. Three minutes later, after being served chilled bottled water by his bodyguard, he was joined by Thint managing director Pierre Moynot. The case continues.

With acknowledgement to Karyn Maughan and Cape Argus.