Publication: Cape Argus Issued: Date: 2006-09-01 Reporter: Sapa Reporter:

Zuma Corruption Trial Vital for Country, Prosecution Tells Court

 

Publication 

Cape Argus

Date

2006-09-01

Reporter

Sapa

Web Link

www.capeargus.co.za

 

Jacob Zuma's corruption trial was vital for South Africa and for Zuma himself, if he wanted to make a challenge for the presidency, the State has submitted in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

It was arguing under heads of argument yesterday against Zuma's application for a permanent stay of his prosecution on charges of corruption.

"If the first accused (Zuma) will indeed at the end of next year be a candidate for high public office, then it is all the more important that his prosecution should not be stifled and that there should be a full, open and public judicial in-quiry into and determination of the very serious charges against him.

"If he is innocent, then it is of vital importance to him, his party and the country that his innocence be established.

"If he is guilty, on the other hand, then it is vitally important that his guilt be exposed for all to see.

"It is in nobody's interests for the judicial determination of this matter to be suppressed."

The State said it "cannot be held hostage" to Zuma's hopes to stand for high office.

The case was one of the highest public interest.

Referring to both Zuma and his co-accused - the two Thint companies, which are subsidiaries of French arms maker Thales - the State said: "Striking the matter from the roll will not ameliorate the social prejudice of which the accused complain.

"They will continue to live under the cloud of suspicion that is described in their affidavits."

Zuma had alleged that the prejudice he had suffered as a result of the charges laid against him had made him "unemployed and quite un-employable".

Rejecting this, the State said: "He does not indicate what employment he applied for, when he applied for it or what response he received.

" He does not even indicate what sort of employment he is qualified for or interested in."

It was pointed out that Zuma still held the position of deputy president of the ANC.

Described as "the battle plan", heads of argument are prepared by legal teams to set out their arguments in a clear and convincing way.

Zuma's defence and that of his co-accused filed their heads of argument on Monday.

Zuma is expected to appear in court next Tuesday, when he and Thint seek a permanent stay of prosecution. The State wants the case postponed until early next year.

With acknowledgement to Sapa and Cape Argus.