Publication: SABC News Issued: Date: 2007-03-02 Reporter:

NPA Misses Deadline to File Response in Zuma Case

 

Publication 

SABC News Online
Date 2007-03-02

Web Link

www.sabcnews.co.za

 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) missed today's deadline to file their responding papers on its application for the release of Mauritian documents concerning Jacob Zuma, the former deputy president, and French arms company Thint.

The NPA cited an outstanding affidavit as the reason for the delay. The documents, held in Mauritius, allegedly include the 2000 diary of Alain Thetard, the former Thint chief executive. The NPA says it will only file its papers on Monday.

Issues likely to be highlighted include Zuma's main contention that the State incorrectly relies on the International Co-operation in Criminal Matters Act to get the documets from Mauritius. The NPA has asked the Durban High Court to request the release of the documents under this act.

However, lawyers for Zuma and Thint filed papers opposing the application last month.

Alleged meeting between Thetard, Zuma and Shaik

Thetard's diary is alleged to contain an entry of a meeting he had with Zuma and Schabir Shaik, his then financial adviser, in March 2000.

Last year the NPA attempted to obtain a similar letter of request, but judge Pete Combrinck ruled that any letter of request would have to be granted by a trial judge.

The case against Zuma and Thint was struck off the roll by judge Herbert Msimang last September after the state had sought a postponement pending the outcome of Shaik's appeal against his fraud and corruption conviction and a challenge to the search and seizure raids carried out on Zuma, his attorneys and Thint.

Zuma challenges State

The outstanding Mauritian documents were then also presented to the court as a reason for the postponement of the case.

In Zuma's affidavit submitted to the High Court last month, he issued his strongest challenge yet to the state. He demanded to know whether and when he would be prosecuted.

With acknowledgement to SABC News Online.